Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

[770timc]

Hi There,

I have a new to me Nitro 189 Sport with a 150 Optimax. My boat pulls hard to the right at lower speeds but doesn't when running fast (i.e., 3/4 throttle). I'm not new to boating but I've always owned smaller engines and never had this issue before. I've read many posts on this but they seem to deal with situations where a boat is pulling at high speed and adjusting the trim tab to correct, etc.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal or is something out of whack?

Thanks for any help,

Tim

 

[jestor68]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

The trim tab cannot be adjusted to work at all speeds/trim settings.

We highly recommend hydraulic steering for no fee back on larger engines.

 

[770timc]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

Thanks Jestor. So, I guess the deal is that it's gonna pull to the right without hydraulic steering at lower speeds and that is normal and as long as it doesn't pull at high speed then all is as it should be?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

High performance boats will pull right at low trim settings and speed and pull left at high speed and trim settings. The anode can compensate for some of this, but usually at a given trim and throttle setting range. I would recommend you set the anode to give neutral steering at normal cruising speed and trim setting.

 

[770timc]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like what I'm experiencing is normal. It doesn't pull when cruising.

Tim

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

Better to pull at low speeds than have the wheel jerk from your hands at high speed!

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Boat Pulling to the Right a Low Speed - What's Normal?

At low speeds if I'm trolling with the big engine, there is usually a trim setting that minimizes or gets rid of it completely. Trim up until it feels neutral if you're going to be doing a lot of idling/trolling.