Boat handling issues

[NW Redneck]

I've got an 18.5' Cal-Glass V hull with an OMC 175 I/O. At slow speeds (anything below planing) the boat wanders all over he**'s half-acre! It's a real chore just to keep it straight. Doesn't matter how the engine is trimmed. It also has ALOT of bow rise getting on plane. This is my first inboard this size, so I'm not really sure how much is too much, but it does seem excessive. Once on step and trimmed out it handles nicely. True-course steering is even both directions.

Question is what to do about it on a VERY tight budget. I'm looking at < $200 cdn. So far in my search the two items that may help are a hydrofoil such as the stingray, or non-powered tabs like perma trims. What do you think would work best in my situation? Either one should help with the bow rise, but what about low speed control? Would either one help there? It's a real pain trying to maneuver out of a crowded marina. Thanks in advance!

Colin

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Boat handling issues

It is normal to experience wander in V-hull I/O boats. Some boats have more exageration than others, but as long as the steering cable, helm, and where the cable attaches to the steering arm on the outdrive are in good shape, you basically have to live with it. Best advise is not to overcorrect, that makes it worse. You can anticipate the wander and cancel it out with small steering inputs.

As far as planing aids, I will recommend Smart Tabs. Do a search, you will find a lot of happy customers. Hydrofoils can work, but at a cost to some other aspect of handling. Smart Tabs will work, with little to no ill effect. Good luck...

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Boat handling issues

Get some Smart Tabs and a NFB(no-feedback) Steering system! The tabs will keep the nose down and the nfb will help some with the wandering....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat handling issues

Can't believe no feedback steering will help the wander. Its not the outdrive moving that causes this. Its simply a characteristic of the hull/drive combination. Been there & done that! A "hook" in the hull can cause this as well. I use Smart Tabs on my boat and will never own another one without them. Best performance bang for the buck. Get them right here on iBoats.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Boat handling issues

Smart Tabs for sure over the 'foil. The wandering is pretty common on I/Os, the tabs may actually improve that a little as well as almost eliminating the bow rise. It definitely takes a little practice to get slow speed maneuvering down with the I/O. It is human nature to overcorrect when the wandering starts thereby exacerbating the problem; make small corrections with the wheel.

 

[QC]

Re: Boat handling issues

What studly, Silvertip and Jason J said. Also, I will say that the tabs will improve the wander issue maybe a little more than being noted here. I have adjustable tabs, but at no wake speed they are both down (if I want them to be). I can actually take my hand of the wheel for extended periods and she'll still go straight. I agree it is not the drive that is moving, it is the bow . . .

 

[KaGee]

Re: Boat handling issues

Redneck, I have the same problem. Smart-Tabs are on the agenda here too.

Try trimming your drive to the extreme "bow-down" position until you can install tabs. It's not a cure, but it will help some.

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Boat handling issues

Redneck, I have the same problem. Smart-Tabs are on the agenda here too.

Try trimming your drive to the extreme "bow-down" position until you can install tabs. It's not a cure, but it will help some.

Thanks for the replies gents. I've tried trimming max up AND down and it doesn't seem to make much difference.

Silvertip- you're right, it's not the drive moving. I've had someone hold the wheel while I looked over the transom. The drive isn't shifting but the boat sure is!:/ Steering is quite heavy at NWS but is quite nice once planing. Just wish there was a way to minimise the wander. Is it due to the depth of the drive into the water? It seems deeper than most OB's sit. I don't have alot of inboard experience in pleasure boats. The last inboard I drove was a 24' Eagle welded alum. crewboat with a 6cyl turbo deisel! Fun stuff shooting through Skookumchuk Narrows on a full flood! (17+ knots!) Woo-Hoo! :devil:

 

[QC]

Re: Boat handling issues

Just wish there was a way to minimise the wander. Is it due to the depth of the drive into the water?

The tabs will definitely make a difference, other than that, like the others have said, lots of small corrections and anticipate. It is just part of the deal with a sharp vee at the bow. All of my I/Os have done it and it freaks every new owner out . . .