1974 KATAMA 16: Using No Feedback Helm to Overcome Tendency to Steer to Starboard

[MNBrooke]

I have a 1974 KATAMA 16 with an E-TEC 90. I am not sure if the helm is original or was replaced in the mid 1980's.

The boat pulls to the right somewhat even at on-plane speed when the engine is trimmed up. I have adjusted the fin [steering trim tab] above the propeller, which helps, but there is still a noticeable pull to Starboard.

A friend suggested I look into getting a no feedback helm. I've never experienced no feedback helms, but before I make a switch I'd like to know:

Q1: will no-feedback helm correct the tendency for a KATAMA 16 with E-TEC-90 to steer to starboard when on plane?

Q2: can a no-feedback helm be used on a 1974 KATAMA 16 boat with an E-TEC 90-HP engine?

[jimh]

The boat pulls to the right somewhat even at on-plane speed when the engine is trimmed up. I have adjusted the fin [steering trim tab] above the propeller, which helps, but there is still a noticeable pull to Starboard.

There will always be some tendency for an boat with an outboard engine to exhibit a tendency to steer away from dead ahead due to propeller torque. The purpose of the steering trim tab on the outboard engine is to help to compensate for this effect.

For advice on how to adjust the steering trim tab, see the owner's manual for your KATAMA 16. If you do not have a printed copy of the owner's manual, you can use my on-line HTML version of the owner's manual. Here is a link to the manual:

Boston Whaler
Owner's Manual
for 9 foot — 17 foot Models
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/manual9-17/

Advice is given in the Operations section of the manual:

Operations
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/refer ... tions.html

The section that explains the adjustment of the steering trim tab is found at:

Trim Tab Adjustment
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/refer ... ml#trimTab

As the instructions mention, the engine tilt-trim position will also have influence on the tendency to steer to left or right. Be sure you have the engine properly trimmed for operation on plane, and then adjust the steering trim tab for neutral tendency. Typically the best trim for the engine will be close to a vertical position with respect to the water. Often the engine is trimmed in to improve the acceleration onto plane and to reduce bow rise. Once on plane the trim should be adjusted so the gear case is more or less in a neutral orientation relative to the flow of water around it.

Also read the advice about Hull Trim on the 17-foot hulls, available at:

Hull Trim
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/refer ... l#hullTrim

[jimh]

Q1: will no-feedback helm correct the tendency for a KATAMA 16 with E-TEC-90 to steer to starboard when on plane?

The tendency for the boat to want to steer away from the dead-ahead setting will remain with a no-feedback helm. The method of operation of the helm is to momentarily lock the helm in position once you set the course. But when you next want to apply steering to the helm, the forces affecting the helm will remain, and you will have to overcome those forces or resist the forces to set the new steering position. The no-feedback steering mechanism just relieves you from having to continually apply force to the wheel to prevent it from turning; the steering mechanism more or less locks itself and counteracts the force, until you try to move the wheel again.

Having been accustomed to using hydraulic steering for the last 25-years, and when I operate a boat, even a 15 or 16-footer that does not have hydraulic steering, I am surprised by the amount of force needed at the wheel to turn the engine when on plane.

The engine trim position has a big influence on the steering torque. When the engine trim is set to optimum while on plane, the steering effort becomes very light, and you immediately feel that you are trimmed to the sweet spot.

If the KATAMA 16 is a long-term boat, you should consider upgrading the steering to hydraulic steering. With only 90-HP you can use a lighter-duty hydraulic steering rig, such as the BAYSTAR system.

Installing hydraulic steering will cost at least $1,000, if you do it your self, and more if you have a dealer install it.

Here is a link to Amazon with some information about a Baystar system:

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-Baystar- ... 000FPY3Y4/

[Note: links to Amazon products are often not permanent links and the above link may age-out and no longer work.]

The big advantage of hydraulic steering is the reduced force needed from the operator at the helm to effect a change in steering.