Motor flops right, steering loose, boat turns hard right if I let go of steering

[TexomaGuy]

I have a 2008 Bass Tracker with a 2007 Mercury Optimax 75 HP. While on the trailer, when I trim the motor up, part way the motor flops to the right and the steering wheel spins of course. Also, when the motor is trimmed normally I can freely with little effort push and pull the motor back and forth and the steering wheel spins freely in the direction I push and pull the motor. Lastly, while cruising I can't let go of the steering wheel or it takes a hard right making it dangerous.

Could this be something with the way the engine pivots or the steering ?

[Bud Kennedy]

I think I understand what you are saying.  I believe the condition you reference is commonly known as Torque Steer.  This happens as a result of the prop rotation and is noticed in the reaction at the helm.  An improperly trimmed motor will torque steer and if you trim to the sweet spot the torque steer usually goes away at that moment.  Aside from performing the correct trim the other thing that can contribute to this is not having the motor set at the optimum height.  This is usually referenced as the Prop to Pad measurement.  Often times the tracker boats are way too deep and make it more difficult to trim properly as well as performing a good solid plane.

It would be helpful to know just what is your prop to pad measurement.  This would be just the first step to diagnose the issue.  Other additional information might be required.  Among the other things would be the type and pitch of your prop, The rpms being achieved, time to get on plane, Speed being achieved etc.  It is not uncommon to achieve the correct prop to pad setting and the other stuff might just fall into place.  So as you see it can be a one step at a time process until things are resolved.

If you are not an experienced boat driver then seat time will help you understand more things and the accept at all boats are a bit different even those with the exact same specs. 

Here is a picture to explain prop to pad

[TexomaGuy]

Would this also contribute to when the boat is trailered and I trim the motor up that it flops to one side ?

[Bud Kennedy]

No, not really.  This is one of the reasons folks use transom saver style products to prevent the motor from turning to the side while trailering.  I agree the system should not be that loose but it does happen.  If you feel you don't have any binding in your steering cables it is probably ok but might need to be checked out.  Since you have not had the motor serviced in 9 years I think this should be on your list for the service company.

It does however directly effect what you are asking about the boat turning right if you let go of the wheel while running.

I would be concerned enough for safety reasons to still make sure you have the motor serviced.  It is hard to fully understand what exactly you are speaking about.  By the way there are many types of transom savers on the market that might meet your needs ranging from the simple to the more exotic styles.  Your model of boat typically will use a simple product that goes from the trailer to your lower unit to hold it in place.  You previously had indicated you may have a trim problem and you may want to resolve that issue as well before using a transom saver. 

[FD]

I used to bungee my steering wheel to the grab rail on my Stratos while trailering.  The motor would turn in the transom saver.


If you don't have pieces leftover, you didn't put it back together right...

[Bud Kennedy]

I have been using a Motormate for a number of years and for sure that took care of the very slight issue I had.  Keeps the motor locked down and no "flopping" around at all.

[TexomaGuy]

Thanks Ill have to look at a motor mate.

[Capt. BassinLou]

I have a 2008 Bass Tracker with a 2007 Mercury Optimax 75 HP. While on the trailer, when I trim the motor up, part way the motor flops to the right and the steering wheel spins of course. Also, when the motor is trimmed normally I can freely with little effort push and pull the motor back and forth and the steering wheel spins freely in the direction I push and pull the motor. Lastly, while cruising I can't let go of the steering wheel or it takes a hard right making it dangerous.

Could this be something with the way the engine pivots or the steering ?

As its been mentioned. A good transom saver will keep the motor fixed for you. As far as the hard right while cruising. As Bud mentioned, properly adjusting your trim will minimize that.

[Bassinkorea]

I assume your steering system is cable steer?

There are products that you put on the steering piston rods at the motor to lock it and stop it from moving whilst trailering.

As for the pulling to the right under motion, it seems like your steering system is particularly loose. Have you checked everything is tight?
Also, the motor pivots should have a way to add grease (grease nipples), maybe adding grease with tighten things up a bit, as well as making it nice and smooth.

[Princeton_Man]

Your motor may have or at least have a place for a torque tab. Loosen the center cap screw, move the tab to the starboard side and tighten.

That should help reduce the torque.

[WTodd]

Thanks Ill have to look at a motor mate.

If your motor is a 4 stroke they don't have a motor mate for it.  They're probably working on one but they don't make it yet


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[Marky1]

My 90HP did that , replaced the steering cable. No more flopping around,..when I let go of steering going slow ,motor stays straight .