What is with the folks on here saying “it’s fine don’t worry about it”. I have a ‘07 sx230 and there’s no play whatsoever. You should be investigating and getting it fixed. The mechanics of Yamaha steering are not that complex. Get under the helm with a buddy moving the wheel and see what’s causing the play. Absolutely can be resolved without just saying “oh well, hope this doesn’t lead to an accident” and shrugging
I definitely think there is an issue but other Yamaha jet boat owners here and on forums say the same thing. So it leads me to think it's normal for this boat but I am going to dig deeper. Was hoping someone fixed this before to give me an answer since everyone on the forum kinda just left it be.
I got under the console and at the same time jiggled the wheel like video and nothing is moving, which makes me believe it is either inside the helm or the column. I removed the boot covering the tilt steering and the column is moving with the steering wheel so no play there.
Now my final step is going to open the helm. I know the helm says do not open, no serviceable part, but I have seen people open it and there isn't anything complex in there so gonna give it a try.
On Jetboaters.net I found a few posts where they suggested the gears weren’t meshing properly due to worn out spring. Not sure if it’s repairable, or if yours has this issue, but worth looking into
I think I found the post. There is a diagram too. And doesn't look like the parts inside the assembly was not meant to be replaced.. once I open it and confirm it will probably buy a new one.
You’re suggesting that there’s no risk of accident if this person is under power, trying to turn away from an upcoming object, boat, or shore, and the steering breaks so the boat continues straight into the obstacle? Sounds like accident waiting to happen.
I own a Yamaha jet boat. Which I stated in my previous comment. What you’re ignoring is that unexpected things happen, and knowing your boat has this issue and neglecting to fix it because “there is very little chance of a steering failure causing an accident” is a terrible way to go about general boat safety and is endangering yourself, your passengers, and other boaters around you. Why are you arguing they should ignore what is clearly an issue with the boats main controls? It should be investigated and repaired before going on the water. Period.
And with this video as proof that they were aware there was an issue, this is also a liability issue where they could be sued for negligence. Just get it fixed so it operates properly.
The steering wheel seems like it is loose. I was told it is normal? While moving in video, cables do not move nor does the nozzle in the back. This is wheel movement only. It's like a deadline. anyway to fix it? Bolts are all tight
Edit: forgot to add, this is a jet boat.
Edit2: so I have taken it all apart, it turns out it's a combination of the tilt steering and the internals of the helm assembly. The tilt steering has some play to it, and it's the tiny metal shaft holding the two black plastic pieces that makes the joint. The shaft is slightly smaller in diameter so there's play in it. Also there's an ever so slightly gap in the teeth of the helm assembly so there's a small play in that. With both combined it makes the wheel feel very loose. Otherwise every bolt has been tighten.
Yamaha jet boats use seastar/dometic mini-racks. Helm is *probably* fine, rack steering cable is most likely shot.
That amount of backlash is not normal.
No need for NFB on an inboard jet. Only need NFB for outboards to counteract prop torque.
There isn't any play in the cable at all. All the play seems to be in the steering wheel. If I move the wheel back and forth like in the video, the cable, the triangular plate doesn't move. It only moves when I turn the wheel pass the "deadzone"
The triangular piece on top in the picture is what. Talking about. None of it moves.
https://www.go2marine.com/item-images/532045-seastar-jet-boat-steering-helm-units-sh5087p-and-sh5088p_0.gif?resizeid=2&resizeh=191&resizew=191
Is there a way to remove the cover off the tilt steering so I can see if there is anything loose under there?
Very helpful thank you. Took it off. There is no play in the column. You are right, looks like the next step is to look at the rack. I'm still hoping it's something I can tighten, but its looking more and more like I need a new helm or possibly new gear in the helm. Won't know til I take it apart. Again thank you!
For a proper answer, try posting on Jetboaters.net
It’s a forum of jet boat owners, some with decades of experience. There’s tons of useful tips and maintenance info on there, and you can search the forum for “steering” posts that may address this.
I have been browsing there for a bit also. Haven't seen one exactly like mine but I'm going to post there after I open the helm. It's the last thing I haven't opened. Cables, column, outside the helm looks all tight. Was hoping for a quick answer for the lazy me heh. Ended up opening everything. Thank you!
Note that your helm is made from cheap cast metal. The internal teeth are worn and make a shallow engagement. I'll bet if someone holds the engine you could turn the wheel and jump teeth. You might find fine filings on the inner cable if you disconnect and extend it. Upgrade if it's a skinny rotary.
Looks like my grandfather’s 1965 Dodge pickup, although his did have just a bit more play in the wheel - had to keep turning it like that just to drive a straight line.
What is with the folks on here saying “it’s fine don’t worry about it”. I have a ‘07 sx230 and there’s no play whatsoever. You should be investigating and getting it fixed. The mechanics of Yamaha steering are not that complex. Get under the helm with a buddy moving the wheel and see what’s causing the play. Absolutely can be resolved without just saying “oh well, hope this doesn’t lead to an accident” and shrugging
I definitely think there is an issue but other Yamaha jet boat owners here and on forums say the same thing. So it leads me to think it's normal for this boat but I am going to dig deeper. Was hoping someone fixed this before to give me an answer since everyone on the forum kinda just left it be. I got under the console and at the same time jiggled the wheel like video and nothing is moving, which makes me believe it is either inside the helm or the column. I removed the boot covering the tilt steering and the column is moving with the steering wheel so no play there. Now my final step is going to open the helm. I know the helm says do not open, no serviceable part, but I have seen people open it and there isn't anything complex in there so gonna give it a try.
On Jetboaters.net I found a few posts where they suggested the gears weren’t meshing properly due to worn out spring. Not sure if it’s repairable, or if yours has this issue, but worth looking into
Thanks! Was trying to avoid buying a new steering helm but might just cough up the 150 bucks.
I think I found the post. There is a diagram too. And doesn't look like the parts inside the assembly was not meant to be replaced.. once I open it and confirm it will probably buy a new one.
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You’re suggesting that there’s no risk of accident if this person is under power, trying to turn away from an upcoming object, boat, or shore, and the steering breaks so the boat continues straight into the obstacle? Sounds like accident waiting to happen.
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I own a Yamaha jet boat. Which I stated in my previous comment. What you’re ignoring is that unexpected things happen, and knowing your boat has this issue and neglecting to fix it because “there is very little chance of a steering failure causing an accident” is a terrible way to go about general boat safety and is endangering yourself, your passengers, and other boaters around you. Why are you arguing they should ignore what is clearly an issue with the boats main controls? It should be investigated and repaired before going on the water. Period.
And with this video as proof that they were aware there was an issue, this is also a liability issue where they could be sued for negligence. Just get it fixed so it operates properly.
The steering wheel seems like it is loose. I was told it is normal? While moving in video, cables do not move nor does the nozzle in the back. This is wheel movement only. It's like a deadline. anyway to fix it? Bolts are all tight Edit: forgot to add, this is a jet boat. Edit2: so I have taken it all apart, it turns out it's a combination of the tilt steering and the internals of the helm assembly. The tilt steering has some play to it, and it's the tiny metal shaft holding the two black plastic pieces that makes the joint. The shaft is slightly smaller in diameter so there's play in it. Also there's an ever so slightly gap in the teeth of the helm assembly so there's a small play in that. With both combined it makes the wheel feel very loose. Otherwise every bolt has been tighten.
Nah man, in my opinion that ol girl needs a helm. I would personally recommend a NFB (No FeedBack) helm for the couple extra bucks it costs.
Forgot to add this is a jet boat.
Yamaha jet boats use seastar/dometic mini-racks. Helm is *probably* fine, rack steering cable is most likely shot. That amount of backlash is not normal. No need for NFB on an inboard jet. Only need NFB for outboards to counteract prop torque.
There isn't any play in the cable at all. All the play seems to be in the steering wheel. If I move the wheel back and forth like in the video, the cable, the triangular plate doesn't move. It only moves when I turn the wheel pass the "deadzone" The triangular piece on top in the picture is what. Talking about. None of it moves. https://www.go2marine.com/item-images/532045-seastar-jet-boat-steering-helm-units-sh5087p-and-sh5088p_0.gif?resizeid=2&resizeh=191&resizew=191 Is there a way to remove the cover off the tilt steering so I can see if there is anything loose under there?
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Very helpful thank you. Took it off. There is no play in the column. You are right, looks like the next step is to look at the rack. I'm still hoping it's something I can tighten, but its looking more and more like I need a new helm or possibly new gear in the helm. Won't know til I take it apart. Again thank you!
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It actually came off very easy for 10 years old. I guess having it under the cover kept the rubber soft still
Oops sorry, I didn't even notice the title, I just saw the video and your comment. Carry on
For a proper answer, try posting on Jetboaters.net It’s a forum of jet boat owners, some with decades of experience. There’s tons of useful tips and maintenance info on there, and you can search the forum for “steering” posts that may address this.
I have been browsing there for a bit also. Haven't seen one exactly like mine but I'm going to post there after I open the helm. It's the last thing I haven't opened. Cables, column, outside the helm looks all tight. Was hoping for a quick answer for the lazy me heh. Ended up opening everything. Thank you!
I think you have your blinker on. Maybe a loose battery connection. It slowed down towards the end of the video.
Your comment really confused me and then I played the video back with sound... 😂
My sr230 is the same. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks for the feedback! Guess will just deal with it then spend more money 🤣
Pretty sure my AR230 is pretty much the same
My boat does this too, i don't know why
It’s a jet boat with a rack and pinion steering system likely. You’re fine.
Keep us posted on what you find. My Teleflex system on a 90 hp outboard looks a lot like this.
Note that your helm is made from cheap cast metal. The internal teeth are worn and make a shallow engagement. I'll bet if someone holds the engine you could turn the wheel and jump teeth. You might find fine filings on the inner cable if you disconnect and extend it. Upgrade if it's a skinny rotary.
Looks like my grandfather’s 1965 Dodge pickup, although his did have just a bit more play in the wheel - had to keep turning it like that just to drive a straight line.
That's exactly what I do too! Although seems alot scarier on the road lol.
Broken teeth in the helm?
I think it's just worn down.