tiller Question

[bhs91]

I have a 70 hp 2-stroke Yamaha on the back of my 17' Alumacraft Navigator...My problem that when I am going across big water Red, Rainy, Mille Lacs, etc. it is a pain to hold the motor with such force the whole time. There is something that I can tighten, a crappy plastic thing, but that lasted about 10 hours on the water and is no longer effective. I have to believe that there is something out there that is better but I don't know where to start. I would prefer to do it myself but don't have a problem paying someone either. I am up in the brainerd area in case anyone needs to give me a specific store up here.

Thanks,

BHS

[Valv]

There should be a lever underneath the tiller arm that tightens up the steering, check it out, I believe it's adjustable.

Otherwise you can buy a stabilizer, or dampener which is practically a type of shock absorber, but I don't know if it's an adjustable unit or if the have any.

[scaup]

I would talk to a mechanic at a dealership. I am on my third tiller and they all have one or two ways to adjust tension. I am not familiar with your motor though. It will be a very simple adjustment. I would say a 3 minute discussion with a mechanic is about all you will need. Good luck....

[fivebucks]

When you mean "hold the motor with such force", do you mean to hold the handle so you go straight ahead or to hold the throttle control wide open? I have a 75 tiller and I can hold the handle to go straight ahead with one finger as long as I have it trimmed properly. My motor has a wing nut underneath to tighten down the throttle control. I keep this loose as a safety feature so if my hand goes off the handle, the motor goes down to idle. I hope this helps.

[Fishing Junky]

Sounds like your trim tab might possibly need adjusting?

[Rost]

Fishing Junky is right. You need to adjust your trim tab. The trim tab is the little fin just above your prop. Loosen and adjust it a few degrees until you can steer easy. An adjustment of just a few degrees can make a world of difference.

[bhs91]

Right when I have it trimmed, it is easy to steer, but to hold it the whole time when I am making a long run(30 minutes or so) on Rainy, it is a pain. There is a wing nut over a plastic piece that would clamp down on the steering rod, but that no longer holds it in place no matter how hard I twist.

Thanks,

BHS

[Valv]

Which year is your motor ?

[bhs91]

2004

[196thDLR]

bsh91: ROST is correct, readjust the trim tab above your prop. Every motor I have ever owned, I have had to readjust the trim tab. Your arm and shoulder can get almighty tired either having to push the motor away from your body or pulling it toward your body when on a long run. I owned a '92 70hp Yamaha tiller, and I currently own a '03 75hp Yamaha tiller, and each one had to be readjusted. Once you change the degree of angle on the trim tab you will find the sweet spot on the tilt and the steering will free up.

Good Luck.