Steering System Operation; Twin Unit Steering - Volvo 5.0OSiE-J Operator's Manual

Operation

Steering System Operation

The steering system for your Volvo Penta sterndrive is operated by a steering cable connected to the helm.
Restricting movement of the steering cable will limit or stop the steering system's hydraulic assist.
Do not interfere with or restrict steering cable movement through the last 90° of bend at the engine. Do not use
cable retainers, clamps, or tie straps. Using one or all of these could restrict the cable movement near the engine.
Do not tie wiring harnesses or other control cables to the steering cable. Make sure deck combing and bulkheads
allow for steering cable movement.
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If the power steering system stops working, it will feel
harder to steer. If this condition occurs, look for possi-
ble causes and fix them if possible. If the power steer-
ing system cannot be corrected on board, proceed at
a reduced speed. You will be able to steer the boat, but
with increased effort. See your authorized Volvo Penta
dealer as soon as possible to correct your power
steering system.
At slow speeds (no wake), your boat may tend to wan-
der. This is normal and may be overcome by anticipat-
ing bow direction and correcting with steering wheel.
A slightly higher throttle and trim setting may also less-
en the tendency to "wander." Changing weight distri-
bution, aft to forward, can also affect slow speed
steering.

Twin Unit Steering

Twin engine boats may have only one engine with a
fully operational power steering system. That power
steering system is on the starboard engine; therefore,
when operating on a single engine use the starboard
engine.
Using a port engine that does not have a functional
power steering system will cause an increased effort
in steering control, due to absence of power assist.
NOTICE! Both engines must be running during close
maneuvering or at slow speeds. If only one
engine is running, water may be forced
back through the underwater exhaust outlet
and cause serious engine damage. Do not
attempt to plane boat while operating on a
single engine; operating with a single en-
gine at full throttle could cause engine or
transmission damage.
VPA 7748131 English 09-2007