hydraulic steering problem
 

I have full hydraulic steering. dual ram imco. My problem is when I trim up to get maximum speed, the boat wants to turn to the right. I can turn the wheel a slight bit to the left and get it to "lock" in position, but any slight movement of the wheel and it trys to turn right by itself. I feel that if I let go, it would turn completely to the right by itself and throw me out of the boat. I have zero problems from idle up to mid/upper rpm/speed range. Its only when I really start to let the boat ride back on the pad at 50+ mph. I'm not sure if I have a bad helm, or air in the lines or what. I have bleed the rams several times. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Air in lines, or in the helm, or you probably need to adjust the centering valve on the helm.

MC

Maybe with the higher RPM's your pump is putting out more pressure. With the higher pressure it might be bleeding by the seal in one of the rams. When you turn it to the left it puts pressure on the backside of that seal and seats it. You may also want to have the seals in the rams looked at.

My last boat pulled hard to the right when I got on it. Turned out my gimbal ring was worn. After I replaced it the issue went away.

first I've heard of a centering valve. I'll have to look into that. I am going to try and bleed the rams again also. thanks

That is a possibility as well. The rams only have about 25 hrs on them but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I am fairly certain it has done this ever since new. thanks

i will double check my gimbals. I have twins with only about 25 hrs on them, but ya never know so I will look. thanks