Steering System - Boston Whaler 15 Guardian Series Operation & Maintenance Manual

Section 4 Section 4 Section 4 Section 4 Section 4

Steering System

Your boat is normally equipped with a no feedback
cable steering system manufactured by Teleflex
Marine. Read and understand all the operational,
maintenance, and safety information in this manual
and in the OEM booklets that came with the system.
Your no feedback cable steering system has a
torque-isolating clutch system in the steering helm.
This clutch system isolates external torque loads from
the boat operator when the boat is going in a straight
line.
All outboard-powered boats generate external torque
loads on the steering system. Engine horsepower,
boat speed, propeller type, and engine trim angle com-
bine to influence steering loads.
These external torque loads on the steering system
are not eliminated by the steering clutch system and
they can be felt during a course change.
If you have not operated a no feedback cable steer-
ing system, it is very important that you understand its
capabilities and its limitations:
• The clutch system is only active when the boat is
going in a straight line. You will feel the external
torque loads on the steering system when you
turn to port or to starboard.
• As you begin a course change, you will feel a
slight amount of lost motion in the helm as the
clutch system disengages. That is normal.
• This system does not eliminate the causes of the
external torque loads. Be very careful not to oper-
ate the boat in a manner that increases the exter-
nal torque loads to a point where you might not be
able to turn the boat to port or to starboard. One
example of improper operation would be over-
trimming the outboard engine.
• There are no customer-serviced parts inside the
steering helm. Do not attempt to disassemble it.
• Check all external fasteners on a regular basis.
Clean the steering cable ram and engine steering
connector once a month.
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