"Hello folks, long time reader
"Hello folks, long time reader and I finally decided to join the board. I have gained a significant amount of knowledge from reading your posts and for a "relatively new to boating" individual, you all have made my life a whole lot simpler so a big thank you to all.
Now, for my next problem that I need to fix. I have finally determined why I can't keep my boat on a straight line while at idle speed or in a no wake zone. Where the gimbal ring comes in contact with the pin that is connected to the steering lever, I have noticed that there is a significant amount of play. I can move the outdrive from left to right about 6-8 inches. I have been told that I need to replace the gimbal ring and pin but that is a whole lot of money. I was also told that I could buy a complete (used) transom assy with the gimbal ring and pin installed and replace that instead. Whatever I do, I will do it myself (I am mechanically inclined). My question is, which of the two alternatives is the simplest and cheapest to perform? Is there another way to fix this? I know about the Mercruiser fix about drilling a hole in the transom assy and inserting pins but that just a band aid. My local mechanic also told me that he has tightend the 2 screws the clamp the gimbal to the pin enough that he is not comfy with tightening them any more.
Also, I intend to order the SLOC Manual #3206 to guide me through the repair. Would this be the correct manual? I have a 1996 Marada bowrider, 21' with a 5.0L Chevy engine and an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive.
Thanks, in advance.
Robert"
"Hello folks, long time reader and I finally decided to join the board. I have gained a significant amount of knowledge from reading your posts and for a "relatively new to boating" individual, you all have made my life a whole lot simpler so a big thank you to all.
Now, for my next problem that I need to fix. I have finally determined why I can't keep my boat on a straight line while at idle speed or in a no wake zone. Where the gimbal ring comes in contact with the pin that is connected to the steering lever, I have noticed that there is a significant amount of play. I can move the outdrive from left to right about 6-8 inches. I have been told that I need to replace the gimbal ring and pin but that is a whole lot of money. I was also told that I could buy a complete (used) transom assy with the gimbal ring and pin installed and replace that instead. Whatever I do, I will do it myself (I am mechanically inclined). My question is, which of the two alternatives is the simplest and cheapest to perform? Is there another way to fix this? I know about the Mercruiser fix about drilling a hole in the transom assy and inserting pins but that just a band aid. My local mechanic also told me that he has tightend the 2 screws the clamp the gimbal to the pin enough that he is not comfy with tightening them any more.
Also, I intend to order the SLOC Manual #3206 to guide me through the repair. Would this be the correct manual? I have a 1996 Marada bowrider, 21' with a 5.0L Chevy engine and an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive.
Thanks, in advance.
Robert"