steering issues

[kygambler190]

i have a 2001 gambler 190. at mid range , sometimes it will kick to the right ,like I hit something . it has hydraulic steering too. could it be steering helm issues or is it trying to get on the pad ?? 200 optimax , 25 tempest plus. help please....

[GamblerSam]

Go back to your motor and see if you can move it side to side, i.e. does it have play in the hydraulic steering. At least you could rule that out it the motor is solid. A very tiny bit of play is not going to be your culprit. If there is a lot of play you can add some fluid and bleed the system. There are a couple of good Youtube videos on bleeding and adjusting Seastar systems. Also, too much negative trim can cause the boat to act squirrely on acceleration if you’re not trimming up fast enough while increasing speed.