STEERING SYSTEMS
0-1
GENERAL
A.
Mechanical Steering
Most single station Carver boats use a rack and pinion
type mechanical steering system.
In
this system, a
pinion gear in the steering helm drives a gear rack
attached tothe helm end ofthesteeringcable. A rotary
rack is sometimes used. Though the appearance
is
different, the concept is the same. The steering cable
is
of
the push-pull type. As the wheel turns, the pinion
drivestherackwhich pushesorpullsthesteering cable.
The steering cable on a stern drive model connects to
theoutdrive steering linkage,
orthe
power steering unit
if so equipped.
B.
Hydraulic Steering
MostdualstationCarvermodelsusehydraulicsteering.
The Hydraulic Steering System consists ofthree major
components: the helm assembly, a pressurized reser-
voir, and the hydraulic cylinder. The helm assembly
acts as a pump to move the oil through the system. In
many aspects this type of steering is similar to the
mechanical system. Instead of activating a cable,
turning ofthe helm causes fluid in the hydraulic hoses
toflow
and activate the hydraulic cylinder causing the
rudders
or
outdrive to turn.
As
the wheel
is
rotated, a slight clicking sound may be
noted. Thisclicking sou
nd
is
theopening andclosingof
the valves
in
the helm unit and is normal.
As the steering wheel is turned, the waterflow past the
rudders,
or
outdrive, places a load on the steering
system. The effort required to turn the steering wheel
remains constant regardless of speed oroutdrive posi-
tion. This
is
an advantage when the boat is "onplane".
The lack of steering effort can
be
a disadvantage at
lowerspeedsbecausetheeffort
is
notreducedtowhere
it
can turn lock-to-Iock easily.
The torque tab, on stern drive models with hydraulic
steering, must be properly adjusted; see section D-3.
Though the helmsman may not feel propellertorque on
thewheel, an improperlyadjustedtorquetabcan cause
steering difficulties.
For additional information, see the Steering System
Manufacturer's literature that is included with this
manual.
0-2
'OUTDRIVE POSITION INDICATOR
Some Morse helm assemblies are equipped with a
rudder position indicator. This device indicates the
location ofthe stern drive relative to the straight ahead
position. The position indicatoroperates mechanically.
Proper adjustment and free operation are essential
if
proper rudder position indications are to be provided.
Periodiclubricationofall moving parts withintherudder
position indicator is necessary
to
maintain smooth
operation.
o-3 PROPELLER TORQUE
Propeller rotation by a single engine installation will
exert a directional force on the steering system. This
action can cause steering to be harder
in
one direction
than the other; this is referred to as propeller torque.
Stern driveunits areequipped with an adjustabletab on
the drive unit to compensate for porpeller torque. This
. tab is used to attain a neutral steering condition
at
normal operating speed. When this condition
is
at-
tained, equal force will be required to turn the steering
wheel to both port and starboard. See the Engine
Owners Manual for more data.
Propellertorquecan also prevent the boat from follow-
ing a straight line, orto wander when operated at very
low speed. This condition is normal and can be cor-
rected by increasing engine rpm. Wind, watercurrents
and play at steering conditions can cause equivalent
effects.
0-4
POWER STEERING
Boats equippedwith MerCruisersterndrives are, orcan
be, equipped with MerCruiserpowersteering. This
is
a
"power assist" system and can greatly reduce steering
efforts. However, this system is not a full power
steering system as used in automobiles, somesteering
tension remains
in
the system.
Upon commissioning the boat, the system must be
purged of air. Should steering difficulty increase with
OMSB
D1
CARVER
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