Boat pulls to the right

[rauch0812]

We bought a '98 Larson 206 Lxi BR (20' I/O) and we've taken it out 4 times or so. We've noticed that the boat seems to want to pull to the right. I didn't notice this the first time we took it out, but I've noticed it everytime since. We happened to install a second battery (on the same side as the first battery) on the right side of the boat and initially thought that may be the problem. We installed it after our first trip out so the timing seemed right. But even though I moved the cooler and tubes and heavy items to the other side of the boat (instead of center like we had them) it doesn't seem to make any difference. Even with my hubby (250lbs) on the left with the coolers and me (100lbs) driving nothing makes it change. Soooo... I'm thinking this has nothing to do with the battery? The boat does have a max occup of 11 and some crazy weight capacity so it's hard to believe a 60lb battery would throw it off anyway...

Thought number two... we managed to run the boat aground coming out of the sass river and luckily hit only mud. The damage we saw to the boat was the black prop is now silver and there are a few small nicks in the edges of the blades but nothing is bent. We both think the boat pulled to the right before this incident though....

What else can we check???

 

[robert graham]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

Check your trim tab under cavitation plate. If boat pulls right, then turn trim tab to the right and tighten bolt holding it in place. Good Luck!

 

[pokman]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

Most likely trim tab-like above post loosen bolt and adjust tab in the direction boat is pulling. Just remember a little adjustment goes along way. Otherwise check your skeg and make sure you didn't mess it up when you grounded it.

 

[new to fishing]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

Check your trim tab under cavitation plate. If boat pulls right, then turn trim tab to the right and tighten bolt holding it in place. Good Luck!

Rob is spot on...Trim tab is your problem...it's the little fin that sticks out under the cavitation plate and right above the propeller...it may have been damaged in your grounding..good luck

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

2 questions...

1 - We can't find this trim tab you guys are talking about... can you see from this picture to tell us where?

http://s853.photobucket.com/albums/ab98/rauch0812/?action=view&current=P1010325-Copy.jpg&newest=1

2 - I'm not sure we can install smart tabs because of the swim ladder, any advice?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

2 questions...

1 - We can't find this trim tab you guys are talking about... can you see from this picture to tell us where?

http://s853.photobucket.com/albums/ab98/rauch0812/?action=view&current=P1010325-Copy.jpg&newest=1

2 - I'm not sure we can install smart tabs because of the swim ladder, any advice?

You have the flat style tab...used when the boat has power steering. You can change this anode to the fin style, and be able to do some fine tuning.

Happy boating!

 

[solar7647]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

2 questions...

1 - We can't find this trim tab you guys are talking about... can you see from this picture to tell us where?

http://s853.photobucket.com/albums/ab98/rauch0812/?action=view&current=P1010325-Copy.jpg&newest=1

2 - I'm not sure we can install smart tabs because of the swim ladder, any advice?

The round aluminum disk under the cavitation plate above your prop.

They sell ones that have a fin on them that can be adjusted to fix your issue. You need to make sure that when you install it the prop clears it. They make many sizes, you should have about 1/4 inch clearance between the fin and blades of the prop.

If you look at the top side of the drive opposit of the tab you will see a hole, that is where the bolt is that holds it on( red arrow).
Once you install the new one, make it perfactly streught and then go for a test drive. If it still pulls adjust the fin by turning the trailing end of the blade to point the same direction the boat pulls. Keep doing that till you get the out come you want.

 

[solar7647]

Re: Boat pulls to the right

Thought number two... we managed to run the boat aground coming out of the sass river and luckily hit only mud. The damage we saw to the boat was the black prop is now silver and there are a few small nicks in the edges of the blades but nothing is bent. We both think the boat pulled to the right before this incident though....

What else can we check???

Check your skeg.........the large fin on you drive under your prop. If it is bent it can cause a little pull, if damaged not a big deal, you can bend it back streight. Line your self up square to the drive and follow the center line down the drive and you will be able to see if its bent. If all you hit was mud you shouldnt have much else to worry about.