steering problem

[Gary911]

I have a 161 Tournament with a 2001 90hp Johnson on it. There is about 1&1/2 inch play in the steering . Not a real big problem but the boat does not stay straight when driving. I always have to turn the  wheel to stay straight and the steering is loose and sloppy. Does this mean the teleflex is worn and has to be replaced or is there an adjustment I can make to correct the problem. I checked the steering cable bolts at the engine, they are tight.

Gary

[seabob4]

It could be the worm gear in the helm, it could be the cable end...it could be both.  Unfortunately, there are no adjustments to be made.  You have a 161 Tournament Cat (a rare breed around here) that is 12 years old.  May be time to start thinking about at least replacing the cable.

[Gary911]

Thank you for the info. Yes it is a rare find. Great little fishing boat.

[gman 82 aquasport]

If it's bad, have you thought of going hydraulic on a replacement?

[Cyclops69]

You may also want to adjust the angle of the trim zinc under the cavitation plate if it is torquing the wheel when you are planed out. It won't help with the slop in the wheel but it may take away the torque steer