I am having some serious steering problems while at cruising speeds. If I let go of the wheel for 1 second he the boat turns EXTREMELY sharp to the left. I am not sure what the problem is. I do have tabs but it happens if they are both up or down either way. Any suggestions? I have a bravo 1 outdrive. No hydro steering

single or twins ????
are you sure the tabs are working???

Single engine. I am 98% sure the tabs are working, but I will double check them to make sure. It is on the trailer right now in the drive, so that will be easy to check.

Is it cable steering (even with external cylinder)? It could be a problem with the load sensing valve.

It is power steering.

Standard power steering still has a cable between the steering wheel and the drive. It's mounted to the drive through valve that senses the steering load between the cable and the steering arm from the drive which routes oil to either side of an attached cylinder to help steer. For extra stability and strength some disconnect the internal cylinder and route the oil to external cylinder(s). For an even better steering, higher end boats go to a "full hydraulic" setup with a hydraulic helm and no cable. The MC Six and MC ITS transoms require this because there isn't a steering arm like the Bravo and Alpha use.
I think your problem may be in the load valve at the transom attachment. Happy hunting!

ok...sounds like I need to go looking for the valve then. How do I check it? Sorry to sound stupid, but well I am at this stuff. Thanks again for your help. I am learing though.

A single will always pull to one side depending on prop rotation, you never get rid of all the pull. It is possible that the valve is not set right, but kind of doubtfull. Hands off while running a single is just not possible. The best thing is to get your hands on the Merc manual or have it checked by the dealer.

Phil

this condion is called torque steer and can be copinsated for to a small degree by using a streering trim zinc on the under side of your cavitation plate

as stated above see some one that knows your type drive to get it checked out

Ok that could be some of the problem. This was my fathers boat, and he passed away. I have driven this boat for years, but never done any of the maint myself. I did replace the zinc plate, but I put it back on straight. Maybe I needed to adjust it to one side a little to adjust for the steering. Thanks again guys for all of your help.