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Just purchased this about 10 days ago. Steering is hard compared to the Ranger I sold. The boat rides much nicer but the steering is hard. It also has a hot foot which im not used to but im going to give it a chance. I lubricated the nipples on the Mercury and I hope this will help the steering. I will find out Saturday morning. BBC you said i might have the engine too high if its happening while running. Are you saying I have it trimmed up too high or are you saying its mounted too high?would you recomend a jack plate? Thanks Trey
is it hard to steer while on the trailer? if so then it may be the cables. If on the trailer it isnt hard but is while running then an engine that is to high can create extra torque. I run an 03 sabre with the same motor and can run the motor high enough (vertical height)that the torque is hard to counteract. It doesnt sound like you have a plate installed so that would likely lead back to cables. Let us know what hole your motor is mounted in and that would be a good indicator of motor position.To me running with a plate give s me more options to wring out every ounce of performance but from what I understand is certainly not a must have with this hull.Treat everyday like it might be the last
We need a lot more info on your Sabre in order to help you.-Is steering hard in both directions or just one and does it get harder as your speed/trim increases-RPMs, speed, prop you are runnning-do you have a jackplate and if so what is it set at, sound like you dont…..I bought mine with out a plate and put one on later…..It was the best thing that I have done as far as performance goes.An 03 with a XR-6 should see mid 60s running with your tournament load and just you…..put a partner in and you will see 61-63 mph.ElwoodElwood…..Bass Cat Proud
They have given you good advice. Over the years these folks have read, listened and learned more than your average bass boater. We dont feel the need for a plate and if the engine steers hard when trimmed down on the trailer, then you have a cable issue. If it does not steer hard on the trailer, your engine is too high. Then a plate would help, though we would lower it on the transom first. BCB
Follow up question. I bought this Eyra/175 in 2007, the engine is a 96 model. I know after 3 yrs I probably need new cables. I think Doug (dbasketman) had mentioned getting some lubricant to add to new cables when installing. Is this something the factory could do?96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
I lubricated the steering before heading to the lake. I Guess you would say Im just getting used to the boat. Steers good now. I am going to add a jack plate this week just for something to do.The boat turns left alot easier than to the right but im not complaining anymore. This boat is great. Beautiful boat. Thanks all. Trey
Sounds like it may be time for cables, it should turn easier to the right than to the left. You did not mention how it steers on the trailer.
bcb has ALWAYS stressed they prefer the sabre with no jackplate. (unless youre running a yammy outboard, then you need the plate for steering cable clearance)spend that money on a powerpole, instead, if youre just “looking for something to do!”
I am not disagreeing with BCB but the steering cable will take a nice chip out of the splashwell with a Mercury also. I have a nice chip in mine to prove it. I added a jack plate to mine and gained clearance and speed.Make sure you get one with six holes or you will void the hull warrentyElwoodElwood…..Bass Cat Proud
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