Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

Demoed a used T22 and when at idle or low speed the steering is fine, but once you get going say over 15mph. The steering becomes really stiff to the left but super easy to the right. The salesman says it's the torque from the prop, and can be adjusted with the rudder adjustment. Does that sound right or is there something else wrong?

It shouldn't be that stiff, a little more effort from one side to the other is normal but it should be much. If you are very serious about the boat then see if they will make the adjustment and demo it again. Could be a defective steering cable or rudder box but highly doubtful on a new boat.

Yeah, it sounds like the little rudder tab needs to be adjusted. Check to see if that tab is centered perfectly and try again.

Ok...glad someone else said it. I thought it might be me since these type of boats are new to me. Ordered a brand new T22 this spring and while just cruising around the steering seems normal, but when the boat is loaded up and we surf, the steering when turning to the left/port is unbelievably heavy compared starboard. Now just like AJ says about the prop rotation having some effect on it but it just seems abnormal to me for their to be that much of a difference. I was actually really regretting not getting the hydraulic steering option after spending our first summer surfing and my wife having a really hard time with the steering.

AJ-or anybody else with experience want to drop their pennies in...could it be that I don't have enough bow weight to push the bow down? Maybe the bow is too high causing the rudder to be at too much of an angle causing the steering to feel too heavy?

Agree, when loaded its crazy how hard it is to turn port side. Is there a way to add power steering?

I kinda wanted to bump this thread up. Im still having stiff steering issues when turning left. I did adjust the rudder tab as far as it will go to the right. Although it did improve, its still very stuff. Ive been in contact with someone from Malibu and after he got with the engineers their recommendation was to shave the leading (front) edge of the rudder. Shaving it more to a point. This is to help cut the water better.

Are there any other things I can try first? Like i said, in neutral or just in gear the steering can be turned with 1 finger, but as soon as you start giving it throttle it really stiffens up. I said earlier 15mph, but its much sooner than that.

I would check the steering cable, it may be binding.

Check it how exactly? If its "binding" then its only binding while underway and only while turning port side.

Depending on which direction the pressure is on the cable, the cable may be pressing into the outer casing. If the cable was routed on a tight bend it could be worn out already.
What year is your boat? Do you keep the bilge very dry?

2014 T22 - purchased it used, figured it was just a rudder adjustment, but turns out to be more than that. I wouldnt say the bilge is very dry, but its not pooling water either.