Steering Wheel(S) Are Hard To Turn While Underway (Easy At Dock) - Dometic HC4645H Troubleshooting Manual

10
4.5 Steering wheel(s) are hard to turn
while underway (easy at dock)
NOTICE!
All outboard engines create propeller torque that want to turn the engine,
making it easy to turn the wheel 1-direction (typically starboard), and hard
to turn the other (typically port). Each engine/boat combination will have
different effort. The following causes and solutions can reduce this effort.
Causes
A. Torque tab not adjusted properly.
B. Engine not being trimmed properly when underway, or engine
mounted too low.
C. Excessive steering loads from prop(s).
NOTE: the use of chopper and cleaver props are not advised.
D. Steering system is not adequately sized for boat/user performance.
Solutions
A. Check different settings with the torque tab to narrow in on the boat's
"sweet spot".
If after trying all possible positions the steering is still heavy one
direction it is recommended that a "Torque Tamer" is installed.
B. Confirm that the engine is being trimmed properly, and that the
cavitation plate is set correctly for the hull.
C. See Solution B.
D. Reduce steering effort by increasing your mechanical advantage (add
more wheel turns) by
• decreasing your helm displacement
• adding additional steering cylinder (if possible)
• installing a SeaStar power assist for fingertip steering
• install larger steering wheel.
EN