Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

[cmonney]

I have a 16' Invader with a 85hp Force outboard, both 1988 models. It has a wicked starboard pull and I am out of ideas. The skeg was bent, so I got it repaired a couple of months ago and it didn't help. I have played with adjusting the fin above the prop and that hasn't helped either.

It's not a huge problem if the driver knows to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. But I have mistakenly let go while at speed and nearly got tossed from the boat. Thank God there was noone on the boat with me at the time.

More than anything I'm concerned about taking my kids out with me.

Any ideas would be great.

 

[john from md]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

The adjustment for the pull that you are talking about is usually taken out by adjusting the snout behind the propeller. If that did not work, maybe your skeg was welded on cockeyed.

You can also check the mounts on the transom to make sure that something isn't coming apart.

John

 

[cmonney]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

Thanks John. The skeg was straightened because it was bent after the engine dropped while I was towing it on the highway. The pull was there before and after the repair.

I will check the mount. I've seen a couple of other posts that mention their engine was mounted crooked. Wouldn't that cause a list more than a pull?

Any and all suggestions from you smart people are appreciated.

 

[minnowinc]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

I have the exact same boat with the exact same motor and the exact same problem too, interesting to say the least.

 

[john from md]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

I'm not familiar with your boat model. Is it a light aluminum boat? If it is, it could be that you won't be able to compensate for the thrust as the engine is too big for the boat.

John

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

Motor mounted offcenter? Bad pull stbd=bad push port.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Bad pull starboard - any ideas?

A lot of these engines will steer VERY heavily AND pull hard to starboard if they are tilted too far in toward the transom. Especially with high pitched and/or cupped props. Best running position is with the cavitation plate parallel to the bottom to tilted up slightly at the rear. If you have the engine tilted in, you will be surprised at how much difference there is.

AND: If you have a Hydro-foil (whale tail) installed it MAY exaggerate or cause the problem. If you have one, try running with it removed and see if that helps.