Problem when trimmed in

brucehawsker · 26 June 2013, 22:29

I have a 150 Optimax and am experiencing an odd problem.

When the engine is fully trimmed in, the sterring is VERY heavy. But it clears when the engine is trimmed out beyond 2.4 on the Smart Gauge and then is beautifully smooth - the power sterring has been serviced and checked and has a clean bill of health. This is apparent when the engine is running AND when it is not.

540 hours, 8 years old.

Any advice?

1,000 thanks,

Bruce

RIK · 27 June 2013, 07:02

I had a problem like that , have you tried greasing the main shaft there is grease nipple at the top

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matt h · 27 June 2013, 08:23

it will be heavy, the bow is pushed down, more hull in the water the heavier it gets! sounds normal to me Bruce

HUMBER P4VWL · 27 June 2013, 08:34

What steering?

Bay star or sea star?

If its the poorer relation it will feel heavy fully trimmed in at speed. As 150hp is generally its max.

If not, it ought to be fairly manageable at all trims.

9D280 · 27 June 2013, 08:59

+1 for "that's normal"......

Had much the same effect on an SR4 with a 25 on the back. Full down it was a crobar job to get the wheel round, 3 or 4 holes out & it was a "one finger on the top of the wheel" light.

brucehawsker · 27 June 2013, 10:01

Will try and grease the main shaft.

When the boat was new it was easy to steer even fully trimmed in. This is a recent development.

Its a good quality steering unit - up to 250hp rated.

The problem is on land as well as at sea.

Thanks for the input. Any more ideas?

9D280 · 27 June 2013, 11:15

Ah, that is a whole different problem!

Have a deep dive look under & arounf the engine - is there anything touching when trimmed in that isn't when out?

If not, +1 for the remove & lube.