2005 23 lsv steering wander with wheel tilted up

[702Malibu]

Took the boat out yesterday and noticed the play in the steering wheel from about the 11 oclock to 1 oclock positions and the steering wandering around 30mph. It seemed like i had to work to keep the boat in a straight line and over correct for each adjustment. This was with the wheel tilted all the way up. I tilted the wheel all the down and it went away, back up and the wander and play returned. The previous owner said he replaced the steering cable last season so assuming that is true, I don't think it be be a worn cable. any ideas on how the wheel tilt could be effecting the steering?

 

[Zippymbr]

How much play?  If you look under your dash you will see where the steering cable box attaches to the steering wheel assembly.  I am not aware of any adjustments other than tight or loose.  If the cable was replaced and not tightened properly that could account for play.  You can trace the cable to the rudder box where it attaches below the engine.  I would also check play in the rudder.  An older boat with lots of hours can have a bit of rudder play.  I think it was 2006 or 2007 Malibu replaced the rudder with an adjustable trim tab in the rudder itself that helps your boat track straight.  Look in your owners manual or here under the Maintenance forum to the online manual.

 

[justgary]

It's more likely to be the actual tilt mechanism on the helm.  I don't know exactly how they do it these days, but I'm picturing two meshed pinion gears.

You may be able to pull the wheel and the bezel and take a look at the tilt to see if it has a length adjustment for the steering shaft to engage a little better.