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G - 3
RUDDER ANGLE/POSITION
INDICATOR
A rudder angle/position indicator is a device that
indi cates the location of the rudders relative to the
straight ahead position. Such a unit is provided on the
inboard V series models and consists of a gauge on
the dash and an electrical sending unit connected to
a rudder tiller arm or the steering assembly. See
Figures G4 & G5.
The reading on the gauge can be adjusted by loosen-
ing the three screws securing the electrical sending
unit and turning the sending unit either clockwise and
counterclockwise slightly. The reading will vary
accordingly.
Figure G5: Hydraulic Steering
G - 4
STEERING LOAD
A load is placed on the steering system by the propel-
ler torque, and/or water flowing past the rudder/
outdrives. The steering system is designed to normal-
ize the effort re quired to turn the steer ing wheel
throughout the average operat ing speed range and
general rudder/outdrive position. This is an advantage
when the boat is on plane. This can be somewhat of
a disadvan tage at lower speeds in that the steering
effort is not reduced to a level where it can be
wheeled "lock to lock" without a concen t rated turning
effort.
Steering Systems - Section G
Ste ering ef fort can vary sig nifi cant ly with en gine
ac cel era tion, stee ring an gle, trim an gle, and
sea condition. Be prepared for additional
steering loads at all times.
Models equipped with the Inboard Performance
System (IPS) the propulsion forces and vibrations are
absorbed by the combined rubber suspension and
sealing. The propellers operate in undisturbed water
with no cavitation. Also an increased number of
propeller blades distribute the forces thereby reducing
the effect of the pulses created by the propellers on
the hull. All of this combined with the Electronic Vessel
Control (EVC) system provides a smooth and exact
steering with minimal to negligible steering load.
G - 5
PROPELLER TORQUE
A boat with conventional drives, the propeller rotation
of a single engine operation will exert a directional
force on the steering sys tem. This can cause the
steering to be harder in one direction than the other,
and is called propel ler torque.
Propeller torque can also cause the boat to wan der
(not follow a straight line) when operat ed at low
speeds. This condition is normal and can be corrected
only by increasing engine rpm. Wind, water and
currents can cause equivalent effects.
On V series with IPS, there are two counter-rotating
propellers on each propulsion unit which means there
are no lateral forces to consider and that tracking is
completely straight. Propeller torque is negated.
G - 6
STEERING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
NOTICE
Should adjustments and/or repairs be neces-
sary, they should be performed only by a
qualified service technician.
A periodic inspection of all stern drive steering cables,
linkage and helm assemblies should be made. With
inboard models a periodic inspection of the helm
pump and reservoir, hydraulic hoses, the hydrau lic
cylinder, tie bar assembly, bearing, seals, rudder
angle sender and rudder should be made. Signs of
Owner's Manual Page 76
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