Steering question on 1974 20ft CC SF

[fly4navy]

Just finished two test runs on my newly repowered 74' CC (115 H.P. E-TEC). All went well, engine ran smooth and quiet as cats paws.. and the scuppers are draining well (down) and keeping the water where it is supposed to be.
I noticed that the steering was free and easy up to about 15 kts and from there became progressively harder as I moved up to 25+ kts.
My E-TEC dealer, who is familiar with Seacraft suggested that I trim the engine forward, at speed, until just about when the prop breaks free, then back it down slighly. He states that this will give me easy steering and improve my overall numbers by about 10%. Says that having the engine tucked down tight to the transom is what causes the issue.

I would appreciate any comments members might have on this situation.

Thanks in advance.

[infanterene]

Please post performance numbers when you get a chance.

[fly4navy]

Only able to get max 5000 rpm at WOT.
Max speed is 28 its.

Prop is a 12 7/8 X 15 Viper.

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by fly4navy

Only able to get max 5000 rpm at WOT.
Max speed is 28 its.

Prop is a 12 7/8 X 15 Viper.

My old 1975 115, that was really only about 100 hp at the prop, used to spin an OMC 13 3/4 x 15P 3B SST prop up to 5500 rpm. Your motor is about 120-125 hp at the prop, so I suspect motor is mounted too low if you can't spin that small prop any faster than that. You should be able to clearly see the top of the AV plate above the water when you're up on plane and motor is fully trimmed out to a point just before it starts to cavitate.

All motors are harder to steer when you trim them in towards the transom. You can adjust the trim tab aft of the prop to offset that prop torque effect.

[Ri oater]

I have a 1973 20sf with a 06 yamaha 115 on it. I find that after planeing off ill trim up and gain some speed but i lose steering. I have much better steering with the motor trimmed down.

[Boatboy6]

Cable steering? If so hydraulics will solve all your problems

[fly4navy]

Even my money problems if I buy a hydro system?

Originally Posted by Boatboy6

Cable steering? If so hydraulics will solve all your problems

[Boatboy6]

Originally Posted by fly4navy

Even my money problems if I buy a hydro system?

Well, almost all your problems... haha

[Normagain]

Steering is a trade off. I've had hydraulic and cable and cable is not so bad. I put a NFB 4.2 on my 20' with a 115hp and am pretty happy. What I like about hydraulic is it is easy to steer. What I like about the cable is it stays where it is when I let go of the wheel. We used to actually bungee the Seastar wheel to the t-top on my old boat when all day tuna trolling which was a real pain. I did have autopilot but it was a bad system and quit on me so back to bungee, lol. What usually makes cable steering over tight is tight radius bends. I'm having no trouble WOT trimmed in or out with steering. If your having trouble at speed, maybe the anode tab needs to be adjusted?

[fly4navy]

Thanks...boat tracks very straight....so it may be the tight radius...however at low speeds..it is free and easy.

I will be testing the trim option tomorrow and report back