Steering problem on new 170dc with an Etec

[TIM IN FL.]

jomerc, I have a 2005 170cc w/a merc 60 hp big foot w/a stingray stabelizer.I had steering problems similar to yours.The dealer removed a clamp inside the bilge area and things are great! I assume you don't have hydraulic steering, have your dealer check it out.I waited a year before installing the stabelizer.Wish I had done on it day one.I can run on plane w/ 3 anglers ,full tank,equipment, and three batteries at 10 mph!!!w/no torque.Great on the grass flats.

You have a great boat,a little tweaking is all it needs.PATIENCE! many dealers can't test drive boats after rigging and will work with you to make it right.If your dealer is a SLIME take your bussiness elsewhere.You have a great boat!

[Jimee]

I am a new 170 DC owner (2006 model, but never used) and have also found turning to the left to be more difficult than turning to the right. Higher speeds make it easier to turn, as would be expected. There is also an audible "clicking" noise when turning to the left (but not the right).

I am curious about Tim in FL's comment about his dealer removing a clamp in the bilge area when he noticed a similar issue. Since buying the boat, I have found out (too late) that the nearest Yamaha dealer for warranty service to me in northern Westchester County NY is a trailer ride away, which is a pain since I've already got the boat at a slip in the Hudson. I suppose I can wait until the 10 hour service visit, but if this is an easy fix, why not?

Do you have any idea you know which clip was removed? I realize that random removal of "clips" is not a good idea, but if you have specific knowledge, that would be great. Thanks!

[mondo80]

Hi Jimee,
I have a 170CC also and have the same exact issues as you do. I also fish the Hudson and live in nearby Orange County. I wonder if you can pass along to the contact information of the Yamaha dealer for warranty service in our area. Hope we can chat more about fishing in our area as well.

[TIM IN FL.]

hey guys , i checked out my boat (sorry my son graduates this week did'nt have time to really check it out) but it seems there is large clamp on the starboard side(inside rear hatch) that gripped the throttle cables as well as the steering cables. the steering cables are free now ,no clamps from the wheel to the motor(coming out of the chase tubes on either side,console to stern)apparently there was too tight of a radius on steering cables.hope this helps. tim