Posted: September 14 2006 at 20:38 | IP Logged

I have a 1996 Bayliner Capri 2050 SS with a 4.3 and the same Alpha One drive.  I too have the same play.  It is in the mounts for the sterring rack behind the engine.  I don't see any way to make the mounts any stiffer.  My boss has a Chaparral 27 foot Cutty.  It has the High Output 350 with the Brovo 3 drive.  It looks to have the same kind of sterring rack.  His boat also has some play in the sterring on the water.  There may be some play from the factory.

If anybody knows any more info on this subject, please add to this post.

Terry

Posted: September 15 2006 at 07:58 | IP Logged

To Terry Jr.

Just to confirm, the play isn't really in the steering wheel rather it is when the boat is up and I grab the outdrive at the prop and move it from side to side. Is that the same as yours?

Posted: September 15 2006 at 20:01 | IP Logged

To Bill

No, I am talking about some play that is where the rack sterring is mounted just behind the engine in the engine compartment.  It has two hoses attached to it and is laying on its side.  It will have a shiny shaft part of the way out and the end without the black sheathing will be attached to an arm that is coming from the transom mount going out to the foot.   I too can grab the prop and move it from side to side on my boat but it is very little movement.  I would say less then an inch each way.   

Do this.  Grab under the skag and pull the foot back and forward.  Is there any play that way?  If so check for wear in the pivit pins that are at the top and bottom of the transom mount.  The easiest one to see is the bottom one.  Lay under the boat and look up at the transom and you can see the bottom of the pin where the foot pivits left and right.  Let someone move the foot around while you watch for any play.  This could be one of the places you are getting the play in the sterring.  Again this is just my opinion.   Let me know what you find.  I am courious.

Terry Jr