I have a 2008 Rinker Captiva 22.5 with a 5 liter Merccruiser in it, just purchased it with less than 100 hrs on it, the boat looks like new and the engine runs great. The steering wheel has like 1-1/2 " of play in each direction so the boat is tough to hold straight at low speeds, would this be a cable adjustment? How can I adjust this?? Thanks in advance for any ideas!!! Greg Boise Id
Optional Information: Make (of engine): 5 liter Model (of engine): merc Year: 2008
Hello, welcome to JustAnswer.
One to one and a half inches of play really isn't very much by boat standards. A brand new boat can have nearly that much.
There is not adjustment, but you can make sure the big nut on the transom end of the cable is tight. Then go to the drive and move it back and fourth by hand while watching the steering wheel. If there more than 3 inches "wag" without the steering wheel moving, your gimble ring may be wearing. With only 100 hours it shouldn't be unless the boat is driven with the drive up beyond the trim limiter. In which case the repair is extremely expensive. ($3000 or more)
What you need to do is make sure your boat is loaded evenly. If your boat leans to one side when you are sitting at the helm, that will cause wander at Idle speeds. Other things that will cause this are a drive that is mounted crooked in the transom, or an uneven or un-true keel.
Experience: 12 years Certified marine mechanic, performance boat builder