sneak_e_pete Posted July 23, 2009 Report Posted July 23, 2009 Hi all, I am reading the manual for the motor that I just bought and there are 2 things I don't understand/need clarification on. What is steering friction (drag) adjustment? I don't understand the manuals explanation of what it means. To be sure I understand this correctly as well, am I supposed to drive the boat with the motor tilted down all the way (totally vertical)? It is a 2001 Mercury 40hp 4-stroke ELPT Thanks.
Fisherman Posted July 23, 2009 Report Posted July 23, 2009 The steering friction adjustment on a tiller is usually a bolt on the side of the part that mounts on the transon, either left or right side about /2 way between the two pivot points. Have it just tight enough that if you let go of the tiller handle that the motor doesn't turn left or right by itself. Motor trim can be from a couple degrees either side of vertical, totally vertical, well depends how much weight you're carrying each time it may be a bit different. Each boat is different.
sneak_e_pete Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Posted July 23, 2009 Thanks. On my motor, the steering friction adjustment is a knob that is located on the actual tiller handle. The manual said that turning the knob left or right will increase/decrease steering drag.
Fisherman Posted July 23, 2009 Report Posted July 23, 2009 I'm curious on your tiller steering friction knob, is it on the end of the handle, those are usually for the throttle friction, maybe something different.
sneak_e_pete Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Posted July 23, 2009 You're right. After looking at it again, the knob on the handle is for the throttle friction. Which....brings up another question. Is that basically cruise control for the throttle. If I tighten the throttle friction, does that just mean that if I let go of the throttle (and obviously still steer the motor), the motor will maintain current speed without lowering the throttle? Thanks.
Dara Posted July 23, 2009 Report Posted July 23, 2009 It means it won't vibrate slower or faster if you let go while trolling. Don't let go of the handle WOT
camillj Posted July 24, 2009 Report Posted July 24, 2009 Exactly ... matter of fact I just adjusted it on a new-to-me motor today ... I like it really stiff (so you have to work to steer).. that way when I am trolling in a particular direction I keep going in that direction even while I let go to fight a fish or whatever else needs doing... otherwise the tendancy is to steer automatically into the direction where most of the weight in the boat is (ie where you are sitting) .. and you end up going in a circle every time you have to let go of the tiller ... same holds true for the throttle (although less annoying) ... adjust and stays where you set it ... at least for a while
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