steering seems to be getting worse on 2002 utopia 205......

[JKSTI&R1]

Hey guys,
So this is my firsts boat and am trying to learn as I go. So we took the boat out last week and everything seems to be fine. Towards the end of the day the steering needed a little more left turn to keep it straight. Went out yesterday and at after 3-4 hours on the lake it now seems to need a full 1/2 turn to keep it straight. It turns great or even too much when I turn full left, but just the opposite for the right turn. It still goes 50-51 mph, I just have to fight with the steering. Do I need to just lube up the cables or is there something I can check? Also something I noticed yesterday is when I go from N or R to F it feels like it pulses and the throttle lever moves back and forth a tad. It will get worse it I dont move it fully into FNR. Is this normal? Am I just not placing it back into the gear right or enough? I bought the boat used from a dealer/shop and they have had the records ( they did all the work from day 1 ) and they said nothing was wrong with it. I know that doesnt mean anything, but they have a good reputation. But like I said it didnt seem to do any of this the first 6-8 hours the first time I took it out. Seems to be getting worse. Could it be how long the boat sat? Thinking of taking it in to the local shop but wanted to know what all of you think first.Anyways way new to this and any help would be great. Thanks all :thumbsup:

 

[JKSTI&R1]

Any Ideas guys........

 

[JT-27]

My 2003 Utopia does this exact same thing. I took it to the dealer over the winter and they checked everything over, and said it was just fine. There's some days it's worse than others, but mostly just annoys me to death... I'd be interested in hearing some opinions as well!

 

[JKSTI&R1]

Crazy. And said its fine? Well that sucks,lol ok not really but if we think its not right we want it fixed and if they say nothings wrong....well....HHmmmmm........I have taken the boat out 3 more times since then and its not getting any worse. So I guess thats a good thing. I did notice a little water that comes out the boot when the turn it from left to right. I wonder if maybe its kind of gunked up a little? Its just a few drop out of a pin hole, but its water and I dont think it should be there. Maybe Ill bet a new little boot for it and try to spray wd40 or something in there. We will see. Im taking it out Wednesday so Ill see how she acts. You have a hole or anything in the steering boot?

 

[Mmitchum]

I find myself having to dial in a little left turn to keep straight ahead in my 02 Utopia (205), as well. It turns on a dime to the left, but fights me to the right, but then will finally turn. There has got to be a trim adjustment somewhere. I'm going to check the service manual and helm console linkages and will keep you guys posted if I find anything worthwhile - hope you'll do the same.

 

[OnPlane]

I find myself having to dial in a little left turn to keep straight ahead in my 02 Utopia (205), as well. It turns on a dime to the left, but fights me to the right, but then will finally turn. There has got to be a trim adjustment somewhere. I'm going to check the service manual and helm console linkages and will keep you guys posted if I find anything worthwhile - hope you'll do the same.

Been chasing this one for the last couple years... any chance you figured out why the strong left turn while fighting right turns? At times I shoot left then right all the way to get close to the same type of action.

 

[Tim75]

The entire purpose of the rubber boot on the steering cable is--- you guessed it-- to keep the water OUT.

If you have a pinhole in the boot, it needs to be replaced. Water has gotten into your steering cable and will (even in fresh water) cause rust. While the boot is off, move the wheel by push-pull on the rod at the nozzle. If you it is rough, hear grinding or crunching, replace the cable. It is a standard heavy duty control cable, about $160. Take about 45 minutes to replace.

 

[Dr Honda]

There is a metal outer sleeve on the cable. If it came out and is moving with the cable... then the cable can bend. It will cause the exact issue you are describing. Sounds like you need a new cable.