Can't leave a wheel for a second, bow moves30-45º

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Edward

Just purchased 1989 O'Day 322. I'm having a problem of keeping my boat on a straight line when I under power. I can not leave my hand off the wheel, as soon as I do that bow moves 30-45º starboard or port. I'm having also problem engaging my autopilot because of that. As soon as I engage autopilot boat goes nuts. Do you have this problem?
 
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Justin - O'day Oweners' Web

Friction Lock

Edward - It is not unusual to have a boat head off when you let go of the wheel. This is from the torque effect of the propeller. This is also why you need significant preassure on the wheel to keep it straight when you do have a hand on it. There should be a friction lock on the pedestal mounting the wheel to the deck. Try tightening that up when you want to go hands off to keep the wheel in the position you had it in while hand steering. This will not work with the autopilot, however. Sounds like it needs reconfiguration. I'd hit the manual and go through the set up for the unit. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
 
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