Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Rusty42 on 04/27/12 - 8:57 AM

I have a 1985 15' Whaler with a 70 HP Evirude engine, I've had it a long time since 85 and it has started to pull to the right more and more over the years. Now it has gotten so bad that I'm afraid to have my grand children take it out on there own. It has the original free wheel Teleflex steering cable, Any suggestions anyone.

Thank you

Posted by contender250 on 04/27/12 - 10:28 AM

Torque for an engine is normal, it will drive the boat to one side/direction. Couple of things you can try , adjust the small skeg down by the prop, or some kind of tension on the steering cable (do not know if they make this or not) to tighten up the steering. This is why a lot of people like the hydraulic steering , stays where you leave the wheel with hands off...

Posted by Phil T on 04/28/12 - 6:03 AM

Let's understand a few things before providing advice.

What has changed on the boat?

Has anybody changed the impeller and changed the trim tab anode (right above the prop). Dropping the lower unit requires removing the anode. Is the anode worn or broken?

Has the gear in the boat been shifted around to affect the ride?

Is the steering smooth or sticky? Has the steering rod and tilt tube at the motor been maintained with grease?

Are passengers sitting in the same places or more to the stern?

Edited by Phil T on 04/28/12 - 6:04 AM

Posted by Rusty42 on 04/28/12 - 1:38 PM

Nothing has changed, I have it serviced every year with the same mechanic. As far as I know the lower drive has not ever been taken off, the engine is 04 I believe.
The steering is not sticky however the steering asembly is 1980 vintage. The boat only has a 15 gallon tank that goes across the deck of the boat behind the helm seat.

Thank you for your initial responce

Posted by Tom W Clark on 04/28/12 - 3:03 PM

A boat like this with the older non-No-Feedback (NFB) steering systems will pull to the starboard (the right) when the motor is trimmed in and pull to port (the left) when trimmed out due to P-factor.

The trim tab above the propeller is designed to help compensate for the P-factor and provide neutral steering effort when the motor is in its most normal trim position and operating at its most common planning speed.

If the trim tab is not set correctly, adjust it. It is a simple task. The trailing edge should be set to starboard a bit or a lot depending on what trim level is most common.

If your weight, or the weight of your passengers or gear has increased over the years, you may find you need more negative trim to achieve and/or maintain plane. This alone will then give the impression the boat is pulling more to starboard.

Given that your motor was rigged in 1985, I will go out on a limb and predict your motor is mounted low on the transom when it could be mounted high. Raising the motor up on the transom will itself greatly reduce any steering torque effect as well as provide numerous additional performance benefits.

If you are concerned about safety, consider replacing your existing steering system with a NFB system. No need for hydraulic, a complete Teleflex 3.0 or 4.2 NFB system can be bought for $150-$200 and is easy to install.

Posted by Tom W Clark on 04/30/12 - 6:38 AM

#10

Sounds like it's no longer NFB.

No, it never was. Whaler did not start using the Teleflex NFB systems until the late 1980s. In 1985 it was the standard type helm which is still made today and which I prefer.

I recommended a NFB system only because of Rusty42's concern for his grandchildren. There is no way a helm wearing can cause a boat to pull in one direction.

- Check the trim tab.

- Check the propeller's condition.

- Raise the motor on the transom.

Posted by Bake on 04/30/12 - 7:37 AM

#12

I find it strange as well that the problem seemed to worsen over time. I can see the trim tab moving a little or even getting worn away and needing to be replaced. I can’t see the motor slipping on the transom, so even though getting it out of the water would help, it would not explain the problem getting worse over time.
I do think the NFB will help. You could spend the bucks on Bay Star Hydraulic system and you would love it.

Posted by Karlow on 04/30/12 - 12:14 PM

#13

It seems very strange to me as well.
That said, the NFB helm will likely solve the issue.
The searing may seem a bit stiff when the boat is not moving.
The good news is you will not have to hold onto the wheel!
It stays where you leave it.

Posted by Phil T on 04/30/12 - 12:25 PM

#14

This does not sound like a steering helm failure.

If you disconnect the steering arm from the cable, does the wheeland cable turn smoothly? While still disconnected, bear hug the motor and turn it. Is it smooth?

Has the steering rod been lubricated annually? If not, remove from the tilt tube, clean, regrease and install a steersman nut (has a grease fitting on the nut).

Is the trim anode worn or broken?

Posted by Rusty42 on 04/30/12 - 1:03 PM

#15

My son reminded me that when we first got the boat it was difficult to move the engine from side to side with the steering cable connected however now it is a meer pass of the hand and it moves freely. I think either the cable end has worn or the gear inside of the helm has worn.

Posted by Bake on 04/30/12 - 1:16 PM

#16

Now that sounds like you are on to something. But not the worn gears. The friction would have been at and in the tube at the motor. If using the boat more has loosened the steering rod you will feel more of the Torque. But that’s just my opinion.

Once again if you are spending the money on nfb systems look at the bay star.

Posted by surfncnow on 04/30/12 - 9:20 PM

#17

What ever you do. Please replace the helm and steering cable. It's less than $200 to replace the whole system. What you have now is just plain dangerous. You could be running 30MPH and the cable snaps and it sends you into another boat or dock.

Also, you might consider shifter cables too. Replacing the shifter cables can make a big difference too.

Not sure why. But some folks think it's a badge of honor to continue using outdated rigging components. I've seen countless BW boats with the same old rigging. When I got my 1988 15 Sport. The first thing I did was remove the original rigging and replace with new.