MST Steering & Control Systems Flashcards
6 cards from real MST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MST Steering & Control Systems flashcards as text
What is the most likely cause of a hydraulic steering system that becomes very stiff and hard to turn when the engine is cold but eases as the engine warms up?
Answer: Hydraulic fluid that is too viscous for cold temperatures or a partially blocked line
Thick fluid in cold temperatures increases resistance in narrow hydraulic passages; as the system warms, viscosity drops and steering effort normalizes.
When adjusting trim tab position on an outboard, moving the trim tab to port will cause the boat to turn in which direction?
Answer: Starboard (right)
Moving the trim tab to port deflects water flow to the right side of the lower unit, creating a force that steers the stern to port and the bow to starboard.
What is the recommended inspection interval for a marine mechanical steering cable?
Answer: Annually or every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first
ABYC recommends annual inspection of mechanical steering cables for kinking, corrosion, and smooth operation to ensure safe steering.
On a twin-engine vessel, if the port engine's throttle cable breaks, what is the safest immediate action?
Answer: Shift the port engine to neutral and maneuver using the starboard engine only
Shifting the failed engine to neutral and controlling the vessel with the remaining engine is the safest immediate response to a throttle cable failure.
What is the purpose of the friction adjustment on a mechanical outboard steering helm?
Answer: To add resistance to the steering wheel to prevent the wheel from spinning freely when hands are removed
The friction adjustment adds controlled drag to the helm so the steering wheel holds position and does not spin freely when the operator's hands are off the wheel.
A no-feedback hydraulic steering system differs from a standard hydraulic system in what key way?
Answer: It uses an isolation valve to prevent prop torque and water forces from feeding back through the helm
No-feedback (NFB) systems use an isolation valve at the helm that blocks reverse hydraulic force from the cylinder, eliminating kick-back and torque steer.