www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,

Well it's only been a few days now, but we love or new to us 2006 258.
I did the search first but it seems that this problem is just built into the
steering system.

The problem:
1-The steering wheel has a 1/4 turn befor it starts to turn the outdrive.
2-when I drive the boat at any speed I experance "wandering"

Here is what I looked at:
Steering wheel is standard tilt/ cable.....with no adjustments that I can find.
the power steering pump is full and outdrive moves freely.

I did notice som play in the "pin" that attaches the steering cylender to the
"tiller" on the outdrive.

From what I read it seems that the play in the cable is comman.

I am more worried about the play in the steering ram to tiller. Is there some
kind of bushing that can be changed? I want to fix this myself if I can (very low on funds)

Any help wo be appreciated. Thanks for agreat website and ally your help.

Mark W

As far as wandering, it sounds to me like everything is the way it should be. Boats do not drive like cars, current, wind, waves etc. all influence the direction a boat is going. It will never just go where you point it without some steering input on your part. If there is any adjustment for the play you mention, I am not sure. 1/4 turn seems a bit excessive, are you sure it is really that much?

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That is what all my boating friends say. The boat befor this one
was a 24 ft walk around with twin outboards. Tracked great and
man was she easy to dock!

I just have the new boat jitters.

I don't know if this matters but it has the Vovlo 5.7OSXi-DF with XDP outdrive.

I think you just need more time behind the helm with your new boat. As you gain experience with it, you will also gain confidence and learn what works best with your boat.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

The engine is a 5.7 OSXi - DF ; basically a closed cooling ( I think!) 5.7 GXI mated to XDP dual prop,

This steering play seems quite variable boat to boat; my previous 225 had little play, my current one has loads, so much as to make it unpleasant at low speeds in crosswinds and my wife won't drive it. It improves if the steering wheel isn't tilted, so there's clearly play in that joint as well as the cable/ steering mechanism itself.

Graham

Thanks guys.....I glade it me and not rhe boat.