Ski Nautique 196 odd steering behaviour

[windsurfnut]

I have a new to me 2002 Ski Nautique 196. It has an odd steering behavior at the end of the dumbell turn, circling back into the course. It banks through the turn well, but right as you straighten out it gives funny squirm. It sort of feels like you have good feedback through the turn but as it straightens out,it goes to an odd point of zero feedback in the steering, and the boat does a little squirm.
I replaced the steering cable shortly after buying the boat, as the steering was too stiff and that fixed the stiff steering. However I think it may have also begun doing this at the same time. Not enough seat time prior to the steering cable swap to really recall - everything about the boat was new to me at that time.

There is some slight play in the rudder when grasping it at moving it side to side, but very minmal

Any ideas, or is this just a characteristic of this boat?

[CHassmann]

My '02 does not do that because we have the rudder tuned to give us some resistance. Have you tried adjusting it?

[j2nh]

I would second the suggestion of checking the trim tab on the rudder. Rack and pinion steering always has a little bit of play to it giving the steering a wandering feel especially when turning opposite the direction of the propeller torque. Years ago Nautique came up with the simple concept of a tunable rudder. Ideally the boat is set up so that it does not track in a straight line when you remove your hands from the steering wheel. It will always try to turn to the left for a direct drive 196. This is accomplished by loosening the screws on the rudder trim tab and moving the trailing edge of the tab to the starboard side. Rudder is straight, trim tab is angled. This setup will greatly improve the steering response and eliminate or significantly reduce the "wandering" you are experiencing.

While checking the trim tab it is a good idea to move the rudder by hand and look for play. If there is a significant amount of play you may have to replace the rudder bushing or your steering cable. Start with the trim tab as this is easy, fast and doesn't cost anything.

Hope this helps.

[windsurfnut]

Thanks, will try a rudder adjustment. Currently the boat pulls to port if you let go of the wheel, and the rudder adjustment appeared to be centered when I looked at it.

[swc5150]

I had a similar, maybe the same situation you describe on my last 196. I replaced the steering cable and some helm parts, without solving it. Ended up being a simple rudder re-packing.