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2016 Wakesetter 25 LSV - Hard to turn to the right


SRF

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We have a brand new 25 LSV. We've noticed that when turning the boat the steering wheel turns easily to the left, but when you turn it to the right it progressively gets harder to turn.  The steering wheel will turn all the way until it hits it's limits, but it is strange because it feels so different from when turning the steering wheel all the way to the left.

Is this normal? Has anybody encountered this?

Thanks,

Shawn

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Yep, it happens all the time. doesn't matter on speed or ballast.  I can put one finger on the inside of the steering wheel and easily turn all the way to the left, but I'm unable to turn the wheel all the way to the right with one finger. it progressively gets harder the further you turn right.  The dealer said the steering was like that because it was such a long boat.....  Strangely I don't remember any steering issues with my 2011 247 which is only half a foot shorter...

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ahopkins22LSV
30 minutes ago, JeffK said:

When you say all the time, does that include sitting still or when out of the water? 

That's a good question. 

And @SRF I don't think I believe your dealer. I drove a 25 this past fall for about four hours straight. At no time did I find it hard turning the wheel to the right. Even with full ballast at wake and surf speeds. The only time you felt more torque on the week was surfing regular, which is normal.  I had to navigate around some pretty tight dock areas as well. 

 

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35 minutes ago, JeffK said:

When you say all the time, does that include sitting still or when out of the water? 

I haven't tested to see if it happens out of the water, but it does happen when just sitting still in the water.

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28 minutes ago, SRF said:

I haven't tested to see if it happens out of the water, but it does happen when just sitting still in the water.

If it's happening sitting still, something is not right and needs attention.

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Pop the engine hatch and double check you don't have a hose or something obstructing the travel of the steering control. I haven't looked on my VTX, but on a buddies older boat he had a hydrolic assembly that retracts when going one way and extends when going the other way.  I would assume the newer boats have similar controls.  That could easily explain why you only have trouble turning one way. 

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42 minutes ago, sounddude03 said:

Pop the engine hatch and double check you don't have a hose or something obstructing the travel of the steering control. I haven't looked on my VTX, but on a buddies older boat he had a hydrolic assembly that retracts when going one way and extends when going the other way.  I would assume the newer boats have similar controls.  That could easily explain why you only have trouble turning one way. 

+1 Take a look at the tiller arm behind the engine and see if there is a hose/wire interfering with it's movement.    

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ahopkins22LSV
54 minutes ago, sounddude03 said:

Pop the engine hatch and double check you don't have a hose or something obstructing the travel of the steering control. I haven't looked on my VTX, but on a buddies older boat he had a hydrolic assembly that retracts when going one way and extends when going the other way.  I would assume the newer boats have similar controls.  That could easily explain why you only have trouble turning one way. 

 

7 minutes ago, Cory said:

+1 Take a look at the tiller arm behind the engine and see if there is a hose/wire interfering with it's movement.    

If it's not that I'd tell the dealer they are smoking crack. It's not normal and they need to fix it. 

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+2.  Agree with checking in interference.  Depending on set up it could also be too much trim adjustment on the trim tab of rudder, but more likely interference, possibly from the 1 1/4" raw water line feeding the raw water pump. Best of luck, and have fun and safe outing this season.

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35 minutes ago, BlackBluMalibu said:

+2.  Agree with checking in interference.  Depending on set up it could also be too much trim adjustment on the trim tab of rudder, but more likely interference, possibly from the 1 1/4" raw water line feeding the raw water pump. Best of luck, and have fun and safe outing this season.

Shouldn't be the trim tab if it does it sitting still

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18 hours ago, SRF said:

I haven't tested to see if it happens out of the water, but it does happen when just sitting still in the water.

Agree with above posts.  Could be a few things, but not normal.  The helm could be binding, the cable could be bad or as suggested above and probably the most likely cause, something could be restricting the travel of the tiller arm.   the other thing to check is, does it only start past the center position or if you turn it all the way to the left, then start back right, is it tight even then?  Do you understand what I am asking?  Turn your wheel all the way to the stops on the left side, then start turning right.  Is it immediately tight or only tight after you have rotated the wheel around to the center position?

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I would also be sure let your dealer- and Malibu- know that their bull$hit answer is unacceptable... You just bought a brand new boat from them and they give you the blow off... on a probable safety issue! WTF??

Edited by IdahoAxis
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I had a boat with 18hours a few years back and the steering cable had to be replaced. Same situation as you. Would turn one way easier then the other. Dealer said it was normal to spray some lubricant on the end of the shaft when extended and that would help. I bought the boat at the end of season. After it was winterized and put up it go worse then following season it was a workout to turn it. Replaced cable and everything was perfect.

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I had a similar but slightly diff issue... make sure and re-calibrate the SurfGate. One of mine was sticking out2 or 3 inches, not enough to notice with naked eye. Fixed my problem.

 

Also don't take No for an answer. Call Malibu Customer Support. 

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Also where are you located? You would be surprised how many handy crew members would help you troubleshoot for a beer and a tow.

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