Boat pulls to left (port)

[erie_guy]

I have a 14' mirrocraft open boat with an 1994, model NS8B, 8 hp Nissan outboard engine with tiller steer. At all throttle settings it pulls to the left and requires a firm hand on the steering tiller to keep it from swerving to the left. Not a problem at idle, but at higher power setting it is no fun.

The engine has no trim tab so I have tried sliding the engine on the transom from left to right several inches with no improvement. I have also tried the tilt adjustment several "notches" in and out with no improvement in swerving - but this made it get on plane sooner or slower.

There is no visible damage to the prop or skeg and the lower unit's paint shows no impacts or damage. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Boat pulls to left (port)

Tighten up the tension adjustment on the engine to keep the engine from turning...If the problem is the boat running off to port you have a problem with the boat itself and since that model engine does not have a tab to compensate for it.....

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Boat pulls to left (port)

Tohatsu Guru,

Thanks for the tip I will give it a try. It does steer (swing) very easily.

The hull looks OK. Last month I had it inverted for painting and the bottom had no bumps, dents, or scratches - and as far as I could determine, no hook.

The engine has always run great and starts on the first or second pull. I pushes the hull at planing speed with only me aboard - I estimate 20 MPH but will have to verify with a GPS.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH