You will never get an old classic boat that was origionally designed to go 60 mph dialed in just perfectly without much trial and pain. Better stick to your Porsche. --- Jer

The prop Im using is a 23p recupped to a 24p Quicksilver cleaver round on the leading edge straight on the trailing edge.I can only use the drive tucked all the way in or it agrivates porpousing. I have a merc powersteering system now I have just replaced the gimble and a newer design tiller arm (square shaft).I can get on plain without tabs down but it takes a while. If I put tabs down its on plane in 2-3 sec.If the water is right 2ft waves I can hit 60 mph with tabs up but it is a dangerous ride with the boat swaying from side to side. I also notice that the prop wash has a wavy "S" cut in it and when I get off the throttle the boat cuts big time to the right. When the boat engine is off my steering wheel can be moved 30 deg. back and forth without any resistance. Is this normal, should there be no play at all? I have tried several props 23p Mirage,didnt like it, it made the boat more sluggish to plain lost 3 mph at wot,and cavitated worse on tight turns.Would installing an external steering dampener help or is the steering play excessive?

No Andy, 30 deg. play in the wheel is WAY too much. With stock Merc. steering you should expect some (maybe 10-12 Deg.) because there is some movement required to activate the valve to give you the power assist. Please look for other wear and/or loose pieces all the way from the wheel to (and including) the drive piviots and correct the problem before someone gets hurt! Then you can e-mail me directly ([email protected]) let me know how things are working out and I'll get back with further info. if needed. --- Jer

Also there was some good conversation on OSO a while back dealing with different member's experiences with external steering dampers and the overall consensis was that you should save your money for the real external steering that you will probably want when you really get it running. --- Jer