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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Outboard position lock		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/01/2008 :  10:18:14  Show Profile
When I'm motoring with my new Tohatsu engine it tends to rotate slowly to starboard until it finds an equilibrium at about 35 degrees off-center, which is not optimal for handling or gas mileage. I'm looking for a way to lock it in fore/aft position when I'm not manoeuvering in close quarters. My old engine was a Suzuki and stayed wherever I put it. I've tried cranking the wingnut down tight on the Tohatsu, but I seem to get the same results no matter how much I tighten it. Does anyone have an easy fix for this and if not, do you have any kind of fix, short of fixing it permanently in position?
"It was like that when I got here..."
C-25, 1984, Hull #4697, FK, TR
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 07/01/2008 :  10:40:47  Show Profile
I have a similar problem w/ my Merc and went very low tech w/ a solution. I took a piece of 1/4" line, put a bowline into one end and slipped it over the throttle handle, then tied the bitter end off to a stanchion at the proper length to keep the motor facing forward. We use it only when just moving forward. Works like a charm
Edited by - jerlim on 07/01/2008 10:43:43
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 07/01/2008 :  11:26:01  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
I've never had this problem with my Tohatsu. There is a bolt on the steering that you can tighten with a socket wrench, this tightens down against a plastic collar to give more or less steering friction. You need some more torque on this bolt.

But when sailing with the motor mount all the way up and the motor tilted all the way up, it will flop over to one side or the other and big waves can sometimes make it disengage. I use a short piece of rope to help hold it where I want it.
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Response Posted - 07/01/2008 :  11:43:38  Show Profile
That's interesting Jim, I wasn't looking for a second bolt on the mounting collar. I'll have a look at it when I go down there later today. If it were that simple I would be very pleased!
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 07/01/2008 :  23:06:49  Show Profile
The "steering adjust bolt" is illustrated under <b>Adjustment</b> in your owner's manual. (You know, "When all else fails..." )
Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/01/2008 23:08:57
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Response Posted - 07/02/2008 :  11:14:31  Show Profile
I read the manual, I'm wondering if I tightened the wrong screw? Mine has a wingnut, but the manual doesn't show a wingnut, as a matter of fact, the manual doesn't show any wingnuts at all on the engive. I'll have to go down to the marina and double-check.
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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts
Response Posted - 07/02/2008 :  12:08:44  Show Profile
Clifford, on my Nissan/Tohatsu 9.8 hp motor(2005) the steering adjustment bolt is a hex headed bolt approximately 7/16" with a bladed screwdriver slot as well. Looking a'stern it is on the steering column to the right side of the motor about 4or5" below the power head.

Properly adjusted your problem should abate.

Val on Calista # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Response Posted - 07/02/2008 :  21:27:07  Show Profile
Hey Val,

I appreciate the confirmation, that is what my manual shows. I've been cranking on a wingnut in approximately the same position and didn't want to break it off as it seems to be as snug as it will go.
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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts
Response Posted - 07/03/2008 :  11:43:21  Show Profile
Stardog....while you adjust the wing nut do you notice any increased tension on the steering control? Is it working?
I can appreciate the wing nut up date to what I have since the use of a wrench in this application is easily lost overboard. Also the wing nut sort of prevents over tightening, UNLESS my Brother Andy is doing the tightening. As young motor heads we called Andy "NUT BUSTER"...wouldn't let him near our motors with a wrench.

Val on Calista # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Response Posted - 07/07/2008 :  13:16:53  Show Profile
Hi, sorry I couldn't answer this, I was out of town for the Independence Day celebration. I'll get down there to the marina to check this out more thoroughly. I can say right now, the wingnut snugged down enough to restrict pivoting a bit; it was definitely noticeable, but not enough to prevent the motor working its way around after a short time.
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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts
Response Posted - 07/29/2008 :  09:42:56  Show Profile
Yeah, seems I keep apologizing for being late but it's better than leaving this one hanging.

The thumbscrew is the only adjustment and it's snugged down all the way, and yet the motor easily turns left or right. Maybe a longer screw would allow a more firm adjustment. I'll have to email Tohatsu for advice.
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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts
Response Posted - 07/29/2008 :  12:32:32  Show Profile
Jim, my tilt locking lever kept popping loose in heavy chop also, plus it was a pain to have to reach down, push it down to lock and lift it when dropping the motor. I took a small bungee and loop it around the tilt pin and hooked it to the tilt lever this holds it down. So when I lift the motor I don't have to reach down and push it down to lock and with a string hooked to it I just pull on the motor and the string which unlocks it. This sounds sick, here is a picture.
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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts
Response Posted - 07/31/2008 :  23:17:56  Show Profile
Frog...Your photo might best serve all Tohatsu owners suffering the same problem if sent to Chris at Online Outboards. I don't think the know what's going on. Oh for the good old days of Johnson Sailmasters.

Val on Calista,#3936, Patchogue, N.Y.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.