I reconnected my hydraulic steering hoses, filled the reservoir, and bled the air out of the system like I have before and the motor still wants to fall over to the side during transport. This never happened with my Optimax, but has been going on since I repowered with a heavier 4 stroke. Is this normal, is it due to the extra weight, or do I still have some air in the system that is allowing it to do this.

Still has air in system I bet

Well I can't seem to get any more air out of it. I tried several times before I made this post and get even get a bubble out now.

Bad seals.

Ma run it by Plano marine East Texas are Ship's and they can check it out for you

I have started bleeding all hydraulic systems with a power bleeder. Sometimes when the hoses are looped it`s really hard to get all of the air out.

Any motor that is not supported from turning will turn to the side while towing. It is because of the check valves in the pump will release when under a load. If you ever notice your steering wheel will never remain in the same spot when running down the lake at higher speeds.

This plus when driving you notice the steering wheel does not return to the same position while going straight. Watch it in the morning and then when you get off the lake. The steering wheel is normally in a different position.

Here is a link to a easy to make bleeding system. You can do it quick and with one person.
https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/819270-bleeding-hydraulic-steering-yourself.html

Thanks for the link. I'll make one of those to extract my fluid and then to put it back after I replace the seals. It is more than just the motor moving. I have some slack in my steering that wasn't there a week ago and I can see some visible fluid around the seals. Hopefully it will all be corrected on Sunday.

Nice write up. I have the same problem even with a motor mate and cylinder stops. Mine is on a 2015 Puma. Also can't run wide open throttle because I can't turn the steering wheel to the left even after the dealer supposedly put a new helm on it. Don't think I will be buying another Bass Cat!!!!!!!

Did you try adjusting your trim/torque tab on your motor?

doesn't have a torque tab. should not have to have one on hydraulic steering

Every single outboard has a trim tab or torque tab. They are the same thing. Google it and make sure. It is to keep the single engine from torqueing too hard in the direction that that prop is spinning. They are supposed to be set at the dealer, but my dealer didn't set mine and my boat was harder to turn right and it also listed to the right until I adjusted it.

This problem has nothing to do with Bass Cat. Either you're running the motor too high on the jack plate, which will give you more torque, bent skeg or there could have been something faulty with the repair..

If you have the steering stops on your steering ram then there isn't anyway for it to turn side to side while trailering.

Does the steering wheel actually turn during transport when it falls over?

Is the motor tilted too high with whatever motor tote your using during transport?

I personally use the tote that goes to the trailer due to the other types wearing out my shock mounts on the sides of my hpdi.