F150 Yam

[anchor man]

Recently have been out a couple times with the new boat and have the Yam F150. I've noticed the steering is pretty tight, especially when turning left. It doesn't pull left, but is just a bit harder to turn. Is this common with this size motor? The boat is a 1700 Fisherman.

FYI 52.8 mph GPS, 21 pitch prop. 5600 rpm WOT.

Thanks

[Valv]

Do you have hydraulic (SeaStar) steering or cable ?

[buzzsaw]

Funny, I have a brand new 1850 Sportfish with the Yamaha 150 HP four stroke and it turns tight to the right! My buddy told me that there is an adjustment that can be made by the prop.... you turn some nut or something and it balances this out??? I'll have him post something... his username is: Shorelunch and he's a crappie slayin' fool.

[Surface Tension]

What your feeling might be the rotation from the prop. You would loosen the fin next to the cavitation plate to adjust for that pull. You'll also feel that pull if your trimmed up to much and that fin isn't in the water far enough.

Something else not to overlook is the tension adjustment either at the steering wheel or on the linkage next to the motor. Easy way to tell is if the wheel turns freely when on the boats on the trailer.

[leechlake]

it sounds to me like you need to adjust the ??? thing that looks like a small keel that's above the propeller. It looks like a little sail or fin sticking down. I don't know how to describe the thing or what it's name is but on my last motor I toyed around with that and it solved the problem you are describing.

[anchor man]

I did notice that the trim tab (I believe it's called that) was one position over to the right, as you're standing at the back of the motor looking forward. that could be the issue. I'm wondering if I adjust it to the center position, if then it will actually start to pull left. Not sure why they set up that way to start off. I guess my main question is if I can make steering easier both to the left and the right. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow to have them put on a different prop to try out, I can ask them about this too. Thanks all