Steering 'release' coming off center

I replaced my steering cable in my '97 Sport Nautique early last season. Since then, I notice a very slight steering resistance then 'release' when coming off center when under power (20 + mph.) and more pronounced at higher speeds (30 +mph). I notice it most when driving the oval at our lake, which is all left-hand turns - straight, hard left turn, back to straight, repeat.

In other words, once on center (i.e. steering straight) there develops some resistance and then a 'release' when turning from center. I assume this has to do with the position of the steering arm and the transition from 90 degrees (i.e. from pushing to pulling and visa versa).

Again, only at higher speeds. Not noticeable when < 20 mph.

I don't know if this is a problem with
a) position of clamp holding steering cable near steering arm
b) loose steering arm
b) loose or warn rudder shaft (although no excess water in bilge)
c) a function of prop wash
d) some combination of the above
e) something else entirely

Thanks,
Keith

Keith - I bet you get this fixed for free at the next reunion!

I wonder if you had someone hold the wheel from turning and you would try to turn the rudder if you could feel any movement?

I have the same issue, also after installing a new cable.
Did you find the cause?

So, something is loose, right? Any updates?

@M3Fan

If you pull your decorative wheel cap off the center there is a single nut. Remove and remove steering wheel. Work off ribbed rubber boot that covers the tilt/helm mechanism...no need to remove dash components. Replace wheel without the nut so you can turn the shaft of the helm back and forth. If you turn it slowly while viewing the part of the shaft just deeper than the dash you should see at 180 degree intervals an allen head and a lock nut in a nut shaped recession. Tighten the allen head.

At this point I'm convinced this has to do with rudder tab adjustment. It is not present at higher speeds so it's very speed-dependent. Generally right in the 25mph zone is when this odd behavior occurs. Pulling a 34mph skier in the course today the behavior was not present. It felt so mechanical when it was present but now I'm convinced it's not.

Basically it feels like it's a hydrodynamic "dead zone" in the rudder/water relationship. I've adjusted the tab a bit and I'm sure that's going to get rid of it. The entire steering system otherwise checks out.

I'll try to find a picture Pete. It really is a cheesy set up,you for sure would think it was a back yard job. Kind of reminds me of that clevis you posted on the ski pole.



This is the dash side Pete and below is the underside of the dash that mounts the rack to the steering. This is the part I had to change when I replaced my cable. The new cables use a wider rack,the original one will not bolt up to the newer style rack



The allen headed bolts that bolt the two shafts together use nylon self locking nuts,cannot see how they could come loose but it might be worth checking out. Kind of hard to get inside to tighten up too. Wheel has to come off,hub and bellows too and very little room to work

Sure enough, a small adjustment of the rudder tab and the symptoms are completely gone. Confirmed.

Gary S found a loose carriage bolt holding the steering cable against the stringer. Gary just showed me a picture from a salvage parts NAUTIQUE that shows there is an aluminum plate affixed to the stringer for structural attachments. I'm going to drill and install a slightly larger fastener at boat storage time.