19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

[BrianG]

Hey all,<br /><br />I am a newbie, Took my fathers boat (now mine) out for the first time last weekend.<br /><br />When driving at faster speeds, it pulls to the right really hard. I have to keep it from turning in order to go straight.<br /><br />I noticed on the lower half of the motor thre is a "fin" that is adjustable. I was told this will help my problem. However its already adjusted to prevent this from happening. Whats making it do this and how much further can I adjust it? Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Brian,<br /><br />You may need to adjust it more. Turn it, the rear edge, in the direction of the pull.<br /><br />Do you have trim tabs?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Brian.... The "Trim Tab" is to offset the prop torque. The correct way to adjust that trim tab is to move it in the direction of whatever way the boat is pulling in.<br /><br />In your case, the boat is pulling to the right. Move the trim tab to the right, a little at a time so that you don't over compensate.<br /><br />Some boaters have the idea that one must move the trim tab in the opposite direction of the pulling but this is not the case... it just makes it worse.

 

[BrianG]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Ok, just to make sure. I am talking about the "fin" looking thing on the lower portion of the outdrive above the prop. It looks like its already turned a bit. Do I just go more until Its better? <br /><br />What causes this? <br /><br />Trim Tabs? Not exactly sure what they are but I don't have them.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

DJohns..... Apparently I was typing at the same time you were. Sorry about that, didn't mean to answer over you.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Yes you can loosen the attaching bolt and turn this fin more, up to a point it will help. Apparently from reading about similar type problems here, it might and might not fully correct the issue. The problem can be intensified by four blade props and props of larger than stock diameter. Some steering consoles have a small screw that will add friction to the steering wheel apparatus. This may help. Some people have installed zero feedback hydraulic or power steering. The problem you describe is quite common and many boaters have done what they can and continue to deal with the "pull" remaining.

 

[BrianG]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

ok. The way I understand this is, I can turn that fin all the way to the side if need be? ok. <br /><br />Friction to the steering wheel. Ok, so tighten up the steering so that there is friction that will hold the steering straight. The steering wheel is already pretty tight as it is. I will look into it.<br /><br />Not sure about the prop size compared to what is supposed to be. Is there a way to find out what prop size should be on there and what size i have?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

You can turn that little fin as much as you see fit. You need to turn it so it's pushing the outdrive against the direction it would be moving during the situation. So if boat is pulling to right you would turn the back edge of the fin to the right. The Prop should have a number on it somewhere. Also if you have the outdrive trimmed out a lot it will increase the pull. Try trimming in a little.

 

[BrianG]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Ok, I will adjust the fin some more and see if that helps. As far as the trim. I assume (i am a newbie) that is the angle of the lower unit in the water? I had the motor lowered all the way down. i don't have a trim button or anything. just a "tilt" for raising/lowering the prop in the water.

 

[jeemtp_99]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Keep it simple brian. You have some great replys already. The easy way to fix it is to adjust the trim tab. Also you might want to look at the skeg which is the big fin on the bottom of your lower unit, below the prop. If that is bent, it can cause the boat to pull to one side or the other. If it is bent, it can be straightened at a welding shop. Dont try to do it yourself. Its made of aluminum so it could break off. It doesn't cost much to have it done. I had mine straightened for about $25. <br />Jason

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Many times if the boat is light and you only have one engine it will turn in the direction <br />Of the prop. If it’s a v-hull like mine it can be a pain in the Ass! I have a 19ft boat with a 135hp and it does this (even with the 115hp I had before it did it) If the trim tab adjustment does not help try getting a new steering system.<br />Teleflex makes a no-feedback setup for under $200 that works great, and is much safer than the older style, I can let go of the wheel at 40mph no prob now, and it is as smooth as can be. Good luck!!!!!!

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Adding a fin to the motor helped too.

 

[LabradorBoy]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Originally posted by BrianG:<br /> Hey all,<br /><br />I am a newbie, Took my fathers boat (now mine) out for the first time last weekend.<br /><br />When driving at faster speeds, it pulls to the right really hard. I have to keep it from turning in order to go straight.<br /><br />I noticed on the lower half of the motor thre is a "fin" that is adjustable. I was told this will help my problem. However its already adjusted to prevent this from happening. Whats making it do this and how much further can I adjust it? Thanks.

Hi Brian, I was wondering if you have a pic of this boat? I'm trying to ID a little something.<br /><br />Email it to me if you get the chance.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />-Rob<br />robpilgrim@hotmail.com

 

[JB]

Re: 19ft I/O Renken - Doesn't drive straight

Moving to I/O