Why does my outboard slide to one side?

Ok, this has got me perplexed so I hope someone here has a theory why this is happening. So first off I am refering to a Yamaha 150 hp outboard with the hydraulic steering(Seastar) and it is a full console Alumacraft 18′ fishing boat. It only started happening recently while towing….or so I thought! When I tow, I trim up my motor as perfectly lined up and straight as I can. The last few trips, when I got home my motor had slid completely to the port side. I thought maybe since it was dark, I just did not notice it when I left the landing. When I got home, I once again cranked my steering wheel until it was perfectly straight. Next morning just sitting in the driveway, the motor had slid all the way to the port side again and it was not because the steering wheel was cranked. I bungeed the wheel thinking it was turning. If the motor is trimmed all the way down this does not happen obviously so it has to do with the weight while up? Maybe it is low on hydraulic oil? that is the only thing I can think of but I know zero about hydraulics. this is a new to me boat so there are many things I am learning and hopefully someone on this forum has a guess as to why this is…………TIA

Yeah I’d say you are low, have a leak, or have air in the system (or all three)

TH marine makes a product that clips on the rails and will stop this. It’s called steer stop.you have to remember to take them off when you launch or its real fun.

Interesting……so according to the video TH put out, the bigger 4 strokes tend to slide while trailering. Neat little gadget. I still think I may be low on oil since it slid while just sitting there. Thanks guys! Learned something new today

You can make your own out of pvc, don’t remember the size, but probably 1/2″ or 3/4″

Take a small slice off of it with a table saw (be careful and wear glasses). Just enough so they snap over the rod.

But a solid hydraulic system shouldn’t move when trailering without them.

B-man wrote:

You can make your own out of pvc, don’t remember the size, but probably 1/2″ or 3/4″

Take a small slice off of it with a table saw (be careful and wear glasses). Just enough so they snap over the rod.

If you do this keep the pipe at least 4 or 5 feet in length. Use it as a handle and push it in only the foot or so you need for the clip. Slot out what you need then cut to length. If you cut to length before slotting you’re looking at a very explosive situation….literally.

Agreed, and cut SLOW. If the PVC grabs it turns into a grenade.

I may be wrong, but I don’t think your hydraulic system holds pressure when the key is not on and the motor is not running. I know mine doesn’t.

My Yamaha 150 has done it for as long as I can remember. I use rubber stops on the Seasteer rods now. The worst part about using them is all the times that I launch the boat and realize that I can’t steer because I’ve forgotten to remove them when prepping to launch.

Do you have a transom saver? That should prevent it from moving and with a motor that size you should have one imho.

Matt Moen wrote:

Do you have a transom saver? That should prevent it from moving and with a motor that size you should have one imho.

I use the wedge style transom saver. Been doing so since spring and it just started sliding recently which is why I am confused.

eyeguy507, I also use the m-y wedge for support. Look at the m-y wedge centering clips at the bottom of the page.

http://www.m-ywedge.com/products.html

i use motormate…best out there in my opinion