boat leans to left at slow plane

[brownies]

Here is a variety of problems that I sure need some help with. Boat is a 98 skeeter 176 with a Yamaha 150. When I first got this boat it would get "squirly" above 55mph. (not chine walk)...just flat out slippery on the pad like driving a car and hitting patches of ice. I bought a hydrofoil thinking it might help. I don't know if that helped since it still acted the same afterwords, but, either I don't notice it now or it just stopped "dancing around". <br />BUT...with the addition of the hydrofoil it now planes much quicker and I can run slower speeds on plane...other than the boat leaning WAY WAY left. This stops once it's trimmed up and running fast. (didn't do this before the trim tab installation)...Other boats I've had did not do this with a trim tab (similar size/motor...just different brands).<br /> AND....when put into a turn running fast, it just does not seem to handle very well, acts like it wants to slide while the engine gains and looses rpm.<br /> In the middle of a turn in a creek. I can't follow a similar Ranger or Champion on the inside of a channel marker. I have to slow down or go around the marker. My boat won't follow their turns....Have to make a wide turn in order to maintain any kind of stability. It just doesn't handle very well. Anybody know if that hydrofoil is causing this?

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

Get some smart tabs....They are cheep and work much better than a fin..

 

[brownies]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

Where would you mount them on a Skeeter?

 

[brownies]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

I am not real familiar with smart tabs / trim tabs. I just always thought they "stuck out" from the transom. The transom on this boat is designed really different.<br />I also don't think there is any day on the water that I'm not trying to figure out where my weight needs to be to get off of the stump or stick that the boat has gotten stuck on top of. If it protrudes from the boat, it would need a breakaway mount to survive.

 

[QC]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

If that squirelyness wasn't dangerous before then I would lose the fin and quickly. I can't believe the boat is as fast with the fin on, but I could be wrong. It may be the whole issue with your control problems too.<br /><br />Another option for the trim tabs could be auto-retract adjustable type. This way whenever you turn off the key they automatically retract. I am not clear on the transom style of your Skeeter, but both NautiJohn (Smart Tabs) and Tabman (Bennett) will have dealt with that before.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

There may be a number of issues, but the hydrofoils will cause too much lift at higher speeds which induces a torque list to the port side. Trimming up as much as possible will help but then the prop is fighting the hydrofoil and that will reduce fuel economy.<br /><br />The problem with tracking is common with bass boats which run on a pad. This is usually controlled with motor set up (height and prop). The hydrofoil can exaggerated the problem. <br /><br />Mobster Tabs (Smart Tabs cousins) are specifically designed for bass boats. They are automatic, using a nitrogen gas actuator to regulate the position according to the water pressure (boat speed). The control when running at speeds is improved dramatically as the system act like a suspension system on a car. The boat turns flat and sharp in corners, rides smoother, and increases Top Speed. <br /><br />Acceleration is improved significantly and there is very little bow rise on take off - therefor no Hole.<br /><br />Check motor height, and dump the hydrofoil so as not to add to an existing problem.

 

[brownies]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

"Nauticus" Mobster Tabs recomended by the Pres. of "Nauticus, Inc." <br /> If they come with a warranty where I can get a replacement when I drag one across a stump...I'll give em a try.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: boat leans to left at slow plane

Here is a little info that may help you understand the system. Unlike electric or hydraulic trim tabs that are fixed in whatever position they are set to, Smart Tabs and Mobster Tabs would be pushed up by the stump. The actuator would compress and the plate would move up. I do not recommend that you run over stumps at 30 MPH but at a trolling speed, it is unlikely that you would do any dammage at all.<br /><br />Secondly, we have just released a new bracket to retract the tabs (hold them up) when you do not want them down. A good example would be when haviong the boat lifted out with a fork lift. In you case as you manuever around the stumps you might want them up. Or if you have a very small boat and wish to pull it up onto the beach.<br /><br />In any event we have some solutions for you to concider.