What would cause my 195 HOI to pull starboard ?

[BMF JK]

I've noticed our boat pulls to starboard . I've attributed it to water , wind or current conditions other times I've noticed.
We are camping on Seneca lake and have had some calm days , just my wife and I on board . The boat just wants to turn starboard and I have to keep constant pressure on the wheel to port to keep her straight . Any ideas on what this could be ?

 

[ScarabMike]

This is a common problem.

Straighten and hold the steering wheel (have someone hold), jump to the rear of the boat, and look at the nozzle. The best way to do it is to look at it from the bottom of the heat exchanger. Make sure the nozzle is even across the back. If not, adjust the steering linkage to correct. If you find there is not enough thread, then just put it back where it was, and adjust the steering from the rear of the helm.

 

[BMF JK]

@ScarabMike wouldn't that only center the steering wheel? I figured the wheel would be off center but the boat would track straight no ? Sorry Just woke up from an afternoon vaca nap , gonna check now ! Lol

 

[BMF JK]

Yeah seems for the nozzle to be straight the wheel needs to be at 1 and 7 o'clock position, I'll adjust the linkage and see on our afternoon run . Thanks

 

[BMF JK]

@ScarabMike the adjustment worked as far as getting my jet nozzle straight. Now I've got a bone to pick with you , your wisdom set me back to square 1 ! I now need to relearn how to maneuver a jet boat with a perfectly straight jet nozzle ugh !
Thank you !

 

[ScarabMike]

No problem @BMF JK !! I had to do this on my Seadoo as well. You will still have a small amount of creep in it due to water current, but the steering will feel more natural. I have to figure out how to get that small amount of play out also. It's almost like 1/2" and it bothers the heck out of me. I WILL figure it out!

 

[BMF JK]

I noticed there is a fair amount of play in the nozzle, but she handles like you said more natural.

 

[Robert Sands]

I didn't know you could adjust your own steering. Where is that located?

 

[BMF JK]

I didn't know you could adjust your own steering. Where is that located?

There is a linkage adjustment on the right side of the jet nozzle and as @ScarabMike stated there is another adjustment location near the steering box behind the helm . I had enough thread at the nozzle linkage to get it straight.

 

[BMF JK]

Here a pic of the linkage where it's attached to the arm of the nozzle. I removed the bolt that attached the linkage to the nozzle arm and loosened the set nut , made adjustment while my wife held the wheel straight , then reconnected the linkage to the nozzle arm and then tightened the set nut .

 

[swatski]

@ScarabMike I love your write-ups and your extremely useful advice here!

I certainly hope your next boat is going to be a Yamaha.

 

[ScarabMike]

@swatski Thanks man! Ive almost pulled the trigger a couple times.

 

[Robert Sands]

Great, thanks.