I’ve been trying for years to fix my steering wheel orientation and I’m stumped.
Currently when driving straight on the water the steering wheel is oriented vertically, it was never like this until I did my restoration and now I can’t figure out how to get the steering wheel horizontal again.
When I put the boat back together I tightened all 3 connections on the steering rod (gear box, female/female coupler, and rudder box connection). Initially I tried backing off the rudder box connection and it is basically hanging by a thread to get it where it needs to be. Today I tried backing off the whole stern steering rod section at the female/female coupler and it seems like, with a few more turns, I might be able to get it but then the rod is no longer stiff and seems to have too much play at the female/female connector.
What am I missing? Is there a known way to make this correct?
You didn’t say if you removed the steering wheel at some point. Some steering wheels have a single key and can only go one way. Others have multiple splines and can be installed in any position. If yours is like that, remove the throttle and pull the wheel. Without moving the steering linkage replace the wheel where you want it.
Yes that would work. I usually count the number of turns lock to lock the steering wheel makes. Divide that in half. Hopefully your steering wheel is in the correct position. If not move it so it is close. If the rudder is not straight make the adjustment at the pittman arm.
