2011 Skeeter ZX 200

[bassinfooltx]

I have an important question for possibly a Skeeter mechanic or someone who has had the same issue. I have a 2011 Yamaha VMax Series 2 200hp motor on my 2011 ZX 200.

It seems as though when I am not on plane there is play in the hydrolic steering and when attempting to turn, it is a hard turn like manual steering. I had a buddy check the steering fluid and it is full.

What could be the cause? Motor too low on jackplate, steering going out or something simple?

Thanks in advance

[bassinfooltx]

Anyone?

[Terryg]

I don't know how much difference it would make, is your trim tab still in place and tight????

[jimsch]

Linkage loose and binding under torque or motor too low would be my guess.

[ifishinxs]

If the unit doesn't have air in the system and its not binding on anything this would point to a bad Helm pump.

[bassinfooltx]

Went to lake yesterday and when not on plane the steering will turn to the left as required, however, when on plane the steering will NOT turn to the left at all. The motor was lowered a bit on the jackplate recently before the problems. Does any one know what the height should be according to Skeeter or Yamaha on the jack plate? Thanks for the replies.

[ifishinxs]

Check the zinc on your cavitation plate. It has a fin on it. Or should have a fin on it to counter act the prop torque.

[bassinfooltx]

Thank you, I will look

[98skeeter202]

Different props and their depth will make steering differences.

[bassinfooltx]

I'm going to try to fill with hydrolic fluid abd bleed the helm first to see if that helps. Was told to try this first then if needed, replace the steering helm. Thanks for the replies

[Texas Larry]

They come showing 7 dots on the jack plate slide.

[bassinfooltx]

Thanks Larry

[bassinfooltx]

The steering needed fluid, was told that many steering units on Skeeter boats are having problems with the fluid leaking from the seals near the motor. They said to use the rig and if my steering has issues again to add more fluid or get the seals replaced in the hydrolic steering unit near the motor.
Thanks for al the input.

[rfiguy]

How many hours would you say you have on your boat? Just curious cause i have the same make and model

[ifishinxs]

You have a seastar steering system. Its as good as it gets. If your seals are leaking you will see it. The seals are an easy fix. If your losing fluid at the helm it's the same deal. But a pita because you have pull everything out to get to it.

[bassinfooltx]

I only have less than 60 hours on the motor. Was told by the Skeeter Mechanic that the seastar steering system located near the motor is notorious for going bad. They have improved the seals but you also have to purchase a special tool to get to the seals. My question is if there are many like this, why has there not been a recall to replace the old seals?

[ifishinxs]

I only have less than 60 hours on the motor. Was told by the Skeeter Mechanic that the seastar steering system located near the motor is notorious for going bad. They have improved the seals but you also have to purchase a special tool to get to the seals. My question is if there are many like this, why has there not been a recall to replace the old seals?

The mechanic is full of bs. That system has been around for a lot of years and is extremely reliable and very easy to service. Its used on almost every bass boat built not just Skeeter..

If the Ram seals are leaking you can buy a seal kit complete with the spanner wrench. 1 hour tops to replace both external seals and bleed the system. Easy peasy! Plenty of YouTube videos to help show you how it's done.

[bassinfooltx]

Thanks