Steering issue

[Steve G]

I have a issue with my steering that has me perplexed.
When I run straight I have to constantly keep turning the wheel left. It's a slow turn to the right, but it wont stay straight.
Its an unbalanced Latham side ram with a Capilano 1275.
Don't know if I should have the ram checked for leakage or possibly the lock valves in the helm are leaking.
Dont think its air because the outboard is solid when I try to turn it by hand out back.
Also the outboard turns on its own after towing for a while. Shouldn't it stay where I leave it?
Latham states that an unbalanced ram cannot be run with a Capilano but it works. Just more effort in one direction.
I don't believe this unbalance is my issue.
Any Ideas?

[ShadowFlier]

Sounds like you have some leaking in the ram. Seals go bad eventually but are easy to replace.

[Steve G]

Iv'e been talking to Latham about this and they stated it must be either the ram or the Capilano helm pump.
Latham rams rarely leak like this according to them.
The helm would have to exceed 1000psi before the relief opens.
I guess I will start with the ram.
Thank you for your response.

[Gorilla0178]

Not to get the subject off the steering, but won't a boat that's in, let's call it perfect water, no wind or current perfectly flat, always turn slowly to the right due to the rotation of the propeller?

[Steve G]

Not to get the subject off the steering, but won't a boat that's in, let's call it perfect water, no wind or current perfectly flat, always turn slowly to the right due to the rotation of the propeller?

The driver will unknowingly compensate for this with a slight left offset. But you shouldn't have to constantly keep rotating the wheel left to keep the boat straight like in my case.

[David - WI]

Latham states that an unbalanced ram cannot be run with a Capilano but it works. Just more effort in one direction.
I don't believe this unbalance is my issue.

Obviously, Latham knows what they're doing... where do you think the excess hydraulic fluid is going when you turn the "hard" way? I'm surprised you haven't blown a hydraulic line off and crashed yet.

[99fxst99]

Do you have a reservalve in the system? The fluid level changes when running one unbalanced cylinder and has to have a place to relieve to.

[Steve G]

The steering turns lock to lock without issue. There is a reservoir to handle the extra fluid in one direction due to the imbalance.