Took the boat out to "de-winter-ize" it. Need to look at...

[scooper77515]

It ran fine. Very good actually, except a little hesitation if I idled too long, but that goes away when the water warms up above 70-ish. So I am not going to adjust the carbs to work on 65 degree water when they work fine on 80 degree water, which we have most of the riding season.

I need to replace a bunk, so will do both. Any suggestions before I do it. Treated lumber, i assume. How do I get the carpet on firmly? Can I use a bracket that doesn't hang down 8" below the trailer? Is there a way to set it up so it doesn't turn against the bolt that holds it on?

More importantly, there seems to be a bit of slack in my steering. And I seem to be pulling to the left constantly, which I think is normal, but since I have so much slack, I seem to have the steering wheel at about 65 degrees to the left when going straight. Any suggestions?

Last thing, Is there anything wrong with unhooking the wires so that the throttle doesn't accellerate when I turn the steering wheel a bunch? When docking, I have the boat in control by holding the wheel and adjusting the throttle, and sometimes I turn it enough to activate that throttle assist item and it over-corrects me. Can I just pull the wires out from behind the wheel and go at that?

 

[Chester]

Inspect and adjusting your steering cable (maybe something came loose).
You can adjust or disconnect the throttle cable at the steering wheel.

Chester

 

[Seadoopilot]

Inspect and adjusting your steering cable (maybe something came loose).
You can adjust or disconnect the throttle cable at the steering wheel.

Chester

I will bet that Checter is correct but pay special attention to the cable where it screws into the steering wheel shaft . Sounds like the cable retaining nut has come out . Accounts for both ptoblems , when the cable flopps it will put pressure on other cables , this tightens the throttle cable

 

[scooper77515]

gonna print this page out to remind me to look at this when I bring it home for spring break...

 

[scooper77515]

Any chance that there is something inside the helm that is worn? The nuts on the end of the cable are tight, but when I turn the wheel back and forth, the play appears to be inside the helm. There is a "button" I can see on the top in the center of the helm that appears to be sloppy and moving around a bit.

Can I take the helm apart and repair or adjust anything on the inside? Or just throw out $150 for the new helm?