Active Active   Unanswered Unanswered

Sloppy Steering

Post your Boat Buzz technical questions here. We will do our best to respond to your questions in a timely manner.

Moderators: Don Ayers, Al Benton

jake
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:01 am
Contact:

Sloppy Steering

Post by jake » Fri Mar 08, 2019 8:46 pm

Restoring a 1941 chriscraft runabout and need HELP. Is there an adjustment that can be made for sloppy steering,if so how? Thanks Jake

User avatar
mbigpops
Posts: 441
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:18 am
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by mbigpops » Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:28 am

Jake,

Can you provide anything more specific like "you turn the wheel 1/2 way before anythin happens" ?

Mark
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

jake
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:01 am
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by jake » Sat Mar 09, 2019 12:25 pm

Close to 1/2 way.I thought maybe steering linkage maybe missing a spring or maybe could adjust steering box.It has been rebuilt but might be missing something. Thanks Jake

User avatar
mbigpops
Posts: 441
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:18 am
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by mbigpops » Sat Mar 09, 2019 5:02 pm

Okay so you turn the wheel and about 1/2 way before the steering linkage up front moves or the front linkage moves and the rear linkage doesn't move or all the linkage moves and the rudder doesn't move ?

Trying to narrow down where the problem could be happening in the whole steering system. The more info you have the better troubleshooting info you will get.

Mark
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

User avatar
Bilge Rat
Posts: 383
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:02 pm
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by Bilge Rat » Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:28 am

The steering gearbox may have an adjustment screw under a cap like the attached picture. This only takes up a small amount of slop as it is increasing pressure on the sector which rides along the worm gear. The gearbox may have other issues like loss of lubricant and subsequent wear, which should be investigated. Chris Craft used automotive steering components so most parts are still available.
Attachments
IMG_0582.jpg
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

User avatar
maritimeclassics
Posts: 700
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:35 pm
Location: Traverse City, Mi
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by maritimeclassics » Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:40 am

I'm thinking its the linkage. Have someone turn the wheel slowly and inspect the linkage at the rudder (I think its at the rudder) and then the linkage at the steering gear. Something is definitely loose. It is a very simple system that has stood the test of time for many many years. I heard once that the old Chris Crafts never had a steering failure because it's such a solid simple system.
Family member of Chris Craft founder
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148

Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout

User avatar
Bilge Rat
Posts: 383
Joined: Thu Jul 16, 2015 4:02 pm
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by Bilge Rat » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:17 am

It could also be the drag link where the pitman arm at the gearbox meets the pipe that moves the rudder. These are usually rusted and don't loosen, but is still is possible as it is a component that has to pivot in use. More old school mechanicals that last a long time.

This really should be looked at closely as a failure of the steering either at speed or dock maneuvering could be disastrous.
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

Denis D
Posts: 92
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:13 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by Denis D » Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:46 pm

With the boat on the trailer, I would have someone grab the rudder and move it side to side while you watch the linkage in the boat starting at the rudder arm and working forward. That should show you where the play is.
Denis

1948 17' deluxe runabout

jake
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:01 am
Contact:

Re: Sloppy Steering

Post by jake » Tue Mar 12, 2019 1:49 pm

Thanks for all input.I will try your suggestions and let you know the results.Thanks for helping a new kid to this great hobby. Jake

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 19 guests