bass boat pulls to the right

[buddyholly]

i have a 1984 16' hydra-sport bass boat with 115 johnson. just bought the boat and dont have much experience with these things. when running the boat i have to hold the wheel to the left or else it will want to turn right. the motor had a trim tab on it, it was centered i took it off but it didnt help or hurt. also is there any cheap way to get the boat up on plane at lower speeds and easier.the motor has a pretty steep pitch sst prop. if that matters.

 

[cuzner]

Re: bass boat pulls to the right

Put your trim tab back on.If it is worn replace it, they are not too expensive.Adjust it in the direction of the steering pull,that should help. you can replace your prop with a lower pitch,that will get you on a plane quiker,but not at lower speed.Look up smart tabs to help with this.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[quantumleap]

Re: bass boat pulls to the right

Trim up until the steering torque neutralizes.

 

[Sivart]

Re: bass boat pulls to the right

Had the same exact problem. Been adjusting it little by little and it is getting better. It always pulled right when trimmed down just cruising but always let up after I was trimmed out and moving along.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: bass boat pulls to the right

Torque Steering would pull to the left unless it is a counter rotating prop.

 

[funpilot]

Re: bass boat pulls to the right

Trim tabs are a little counter intuitive. Because the outboard is on a verticle hinge, the trim tab trailing edge needs to be set in the same direction the boat pulls. The trim tab forces the engine to move opposite, and hence, the forces disapear from the helm.