265 express steering

[Bender]

Hey all..... Steering issue on my new to me 265 express.
Twin ox66 250's
tilt helm
In sloppy seas I'm constantly steering to starboard.
System has been bled correctly twice
Engines don't seem to "fall over" either way when tilted up.
When wheel is turned to either lock it seems the pressure bypass is working correctly. (Can turn with a lot of force)
My question is:
What needs to be fixed or replaced, helm or cylinder?
Also..... No apparent leaks and system stays full of fluid, and there is autopilot.
Thank you!!!

 

[drbatts]

Does the steering work normally otherwise? Or just in sloppy conditions? It could be the steering or it could also be a little quirkiness to the boat especially if your are playing with the trim tabs too. The 265 does have some handling characteristics that will throw new operators off a little. A lot of it has to do with the use of the trim tabs. Once you get used to these and learn to drive her, she will go through just about anything.

 

[SeaVee]

I hated my new to me 265 on my first run in sloppy conditions, but after a 100 hours or so I am starting to really get her dialed in. Takes getting used to, for sure. Especially if she’s light on fuel.

 

[Lsquared]

mine had the same symptoms, it was the seal on the steering ram by the engines. did the tilt and trim seals at the same time as the motors would slowly come back down.

 

[Paul_A]

It doesn't sound like there's anything wrong with the steering.

Try a couple taps on the opposite tab.

 

[Bender]

Ok........ I'll better explain
On a 15 mile trip in on Lake Erie in 1 to 2 footers, I'll bet I made 12 complete rotations of wheel to starboard.
I completely understand the handling characteristics of the boat, and as noted, takes some getting used to.
Even in a dead calm sees the steering "slips".

 

[SkunkBoat]

Been there. Have a few threads about the subject. search skunkboat...265 express, steering, autopilot....
You have air in lines or leaky o-rings

Put tabs up and leave them there.
Completely flush & fill hydraulic fluid.
If that doesn't do it
Have helm serviced or replace the o-rings yourself and don't drop it on the last step like I did.
could be the hydraulic cylinder too.

Get autopilot.