Expert: tyler boehner - 2/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I just boat a 02 Larson 18ft with a 3.0 volvo penta engine.  When I turn the ignition off the steering wheel can be turned, which moves the outer prop.  When I am towing the boat I need to strap it so there won't be and movement.  Is there something to make the steering wheel lock up .   This is my first boat and don't know much.  Would appreciate any help.
Thank you-Fred

ANSWER: The wheel free spinning back and forth doesn't cause any damage.  It can go back and forth as much as it wants as long as it isn't slamming all the way one way or the other.  If you do want to lock it for some other reason, a rope is about as technical as it gets as far as I know of.  If you have any more questions, don't be afraid to ask.  I don't know much about Volvo engines, but I do know the basics that you will need to know about how to drive and operate your new boat.  It is better to get rid of any questions that you have and feel comfortable in your boat than to try to figure it out on your own and learn the hard way.  Congratulations on buying your first boat.  I hope you enjoy it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering my question but I now have another one.I took out the boat and started up fine but when I give it gas the nose pick up like it want to go, all of a sudden the rpm drops and I need to decelerate other wise it feels like it is going to turn off.  I asked around and they say to remove the all of the gas from the gas tank, because I don't know how old it is and it can have water.  Do you think this is the problem


Answer
To find out if the condition of the gas take a fuel sample and put it in a glass jar.  If there is water in it, it will settle in the bottom of the jar.  I think it sounds more like a carb problem than a fuel condition problem.  You may have a dirty carb.