Steering question on 1974 20ft CC SF
 

Just finished two test runs on my newly repowered 74' CC (115 H.P. E-TEC). All went well, engine ran smooth and quiet as cats paws.. and the scuppers are draining well (down) and keeping the water where it is supposed to be.
I noticed that the steering was free and easy up to about 15 kts and from there became progressively harder as I moved up to 25+ kts.
My E-TEC dealer, who is familiar with Seacraft suggested that I trim the engine forward, at speed, until just about when the prop breaks free, then back it down slighly. He states that this will give me easy steering and improve my overall numbers by about 10%. Says that having the engine tucked down tight to the transom is what causes the issue.

I would appreciate any comments members might have on this situation.

Thanks in advance.

Please post performance numbers when you get a chance.

I have a 1973 20sf with a 06 yamaha 115 on it. I find that after planeing off ill trim up and gain some speed but i lose steering. I have much better steering with the motor trimmed down.

Cable steering? If so hydraulics will solve all your problems

I have a similar problem with a Yamaha F100 and Teleflex "No Feed Back" cable steering. I think hydraulic steering would be great, but trimming the motor mostly solves the issue. I go faster trimmed like this, too. I have the anti ventilation plate 1 to 1.5 inches above the keel.

There are different steering ratios available too, so you can get more mechanical advantage at the wheel. I didn't try it, but it is probably $150 to try something different.

Thanks!
 

Thanks for the input. Most appreciated.. will report back after the weekend

Steering problem
 

Even my money problems if I buy a hydro system?

Well, almost all your problems... haha

Steering is a trade off. I've had hydraulic and cable and cable is not so bad. I put a NFB 4.2 on my 20' with a 115hp and am pretty happy. What I like about hydraulic is it is easy to steer. What I like about the cable is it stays where it is when I let go of the wheel. We used to actually bungee the Seastar wheel to the t-top on my old boat when all day tuna trolling which was a real pain. I did have autopilot but it was a bad system and quit on me so back to bungee, lol. What usually makes cable steering over tight is tight radius bends. I'm having no trouble WOT trimmed in or out with steering. If your having trouble at speed, maybe the anode tab needs to be adjusted?

Steering
 

Thanks...boat tracks very straight....so it may be the tight radius...however at low speeds..it is free and easy.

I will be testing the trim option tomorrow and report back