boat leans left, torques to the right

[jbgeishe]

Greetings to all you pros from a newbie (cadet). I recently purchased a 1994 19 1/2 foot Northwoods deep V fishing boat with a 120 hp Force outboard motor hard mounted (bolted)through the stern. When I plane it out (tilted all the way down), which it does quite nicely, the boat leans toward the left side, yet it torques hard to the right. If I would let go of the steering wheel, I'd make a tight circle to the right (if I didn't flip) yet all the while, it still leans to the left. Any ideas how to remedy this? I'll gladly provide more information as necessary to find the right fix.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

Ill take a stab at it.<br /><br />First off, I would allmost bet thet the engine is mounted to low on the transom, check and see where the cavitation plate, (The plate above the prop), is even with , higher or lower than the bottom of the boat, Should be at least even, and better at least 1" above to start.<br /><br />Now, its normal with the engine trimmed all the way in for the boat to lean to the left, (Port) side due to the torque of the engine. Prop rotating to the right trying to twist the boat to the left, Compounded if the engine is mounted too low. With the boat being torqued to the left, the bow will bite in and want to turn right. Trimming the engine up some will likly help the problem, but check the hight of you engine first. Could be too bow heavy also.<br /><br />Oh, and welcome aboard!!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

sounds like a dozer...LD's suggestion to trim up would be mine as well. Trim up a little at a time, and you will notice the "best trim position" and handling charactoristics should improve. You'll get to a spot where the steering "feels" loose, but responsive, that is about the best trim angle if the boat rides level (not porpoising).

 

[backdraft]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

You have 2 problems. First loosen the trim tab under the antiventilation plate, the plate just above the prop and loosen the trim tab. Turn the back edge , closest to you to the right about a 1/2 inch from the center position. This will cure the turning to the right. Now as stated above, trim and adjust the motor for height..Hope this helps. High Sierra

 

[OBJ]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

Uhhhhh.....maybe I missed something here and I hope you guys will staighten me out......<br /><br />When I run my rig (16' StarCraft Supersport with a Rude 90hp) and it's trimmed all the way in or it's trimmed out, my rig would want to go right....in the direction of the engine torque. (I got the trim tab set right a little so I don't really get the torque)<br /><br />It don't wanna go to the left......did I miss something?????<br /><br />Signed....confused on the Muddy Banks.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

With the boat listing left on top of torqueing right, this would indicate improper trim at the thrust level (engine position in trim). <br />As positive trim is applied, this "should" go in either the other direction, or stabilize.<br />Find the trim position that suites the best performance of the boat, and THEN adjust the trim tab to relieve any torque.

 

[Lowranger]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

Hi all, If a boat wants to turn to starboard with hands off the helm than the trim tab needs to be turned to starboard. The reason that the boat leans to the left is because the helmsman must exert port helm to counteract the rightward "torque steer". Pete

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: boat leans left, torques to the right

Well, as was posted>><br />"When I plane it out (tilted all the way down), which it does quite nicely, the boat leans toward the left side, yet it torques hard to the right."<br />Sounds like he has the engine trimmed in at speed>>>and is now plowing the bow in>>>try raising the trim up (back of engine should start to raise up. This will lift the bow and allow the engine RPMs to come up also. LESS WETTED AREA= BETTER PERFORMANCE!