Steering issue?
 

Boat is a '93 Check Convincor 251, carbed 502, bravo 1, 24p prop.

When I was out on the lake recently I noticed that when I'm at speed and try and back off of the throttle the boat wants to jump hardcore to the right, almost like it is trying to make a 90* turn. First time it happened I was caught off guard to say the least. The previous owner mentioned something about this, but I didn't notice it at all during the sea trial and didn't really understand what he meant, however NOW lets just say I completely know what he was talking about.

Still, I have no idea what is wrong, all I know is it is not supposed to be like this, and I would like to fix it.

Thanks,

Seth

Check with the motor not running can you move the drive side to side alot. If so and it does not have external steering then its going to need the gimble ring and pin replaced.

Do you mean see if I can move the WHOLE lower unit as if I was steering it with my hands, or just the prop side to side? Sorry to sound dumb, but I am SUPER green with all this stuff. Also how much force should I try and exert?

Thanks,

Seth

The whole drive - see how far left & right it moves without the steering wheel moving.

sounds like the gimbal is worn and or the steering actuator(valve at the end of the steering cable) how fast are you running ? did you trim down a bunch when got out of throttle ? these boats very sensitive to trim...

I had that happen before, check your fluid.

All of the above......

That said, my 23 Nova has add on hydraulic and is tight as can be, but it will do similar to yours if I cut the throttle back too fast . No problem at all when I back off more slowly.

Worn gimbal it happened to me, man it scares the hell of you when it happens. Dont drive it anymore until you figure it out, at high speed it could toss you out of the boat. But thats just my opinion

worn gimble and/or worn steering box. Steering and cable is easy and cheap to replace, gimble ring....not so much....

I am able to move the whole drive about 3-5'' in either direction with the motor off.

As far as speed, I am running between 45-55, haven't been able to get ahold of a hand held GPS yet, to get an exact speed.

Thanks,

Seth

3"-5" inches is alot of play, you might double check your torque on the u-bolt. Look into www.jrmarine.com his kit is excellent did it my self not to long ago. Merc's kit is a joke i would pull engine before going with merc's kit.

Ron Bender knows his stuff very nice guy i talked to him personally on phone very helpful and has everything you need in one stop