Boat tracking at slow speeds

[Trivalent]

I bought a 1998 19' Maxum cutty and it has a 3.0 alph-1 out drive. My problem is that at very slow speeds (trolling) I have to make constant course corrections and if I hold the wheel steady, it weaves back and forth. The steering seems tight.. Anyone have any ideas as to what is going on?

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Welcome to iboats Trivalent. All V-hull boats do this to some degree. Here is another thread that goes into detail - Maxum Boat wanders at low speed <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Get a set of Smart Tabs. They will practically eliminate the no wake speed bow steer.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Originally posted by KCook:<br /> Welcome to iboats Trivalent. All V-hull boats do this to some degree. Here is another thread that goes into detail - Difficult no wake steering <br /><br />Kelly Cook

What are ya trying to do Kcook, confuse the heck out of trivalent with that link? <br /><br />We never could get dockshot to define his problem(s)

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> Get a set of Smart Tabs. They will practically eliminate the no wake speed bow steer.

Hard to beleive, but true.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Thanks for catching that Boomyal! This is what happens when I run searches late at night. Or at least that's my excuse this time. My bad. Now corrected.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[QC]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

There is also another thread in the Mercruiser section that needs to be TOTALLY ignored as well. Trim tabs are the ONLY thing that will make a difference. Adjustable tabs too in the full down position.<br /><br />With or without tabs, you need to make smaller corrections AND be patient as the bow will come around. It is something that you will learn to anticipate and just deal with. My 12 year old can do it now, just keep practicing.

 

[Trivalent]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Thanks all, I'll give them a try...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=014804 <br /><br />Thought I'd share this recent thread that QC refers to...just to make it harder for you to ignore.<br /><br />I'll add that my 18 foot Rinker with a 3.0 does the same thing. Back & forth, back & forth....

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

All planing hulls wander at low speeds, they're designed for planing and not displacing, just a tradeoff for speed.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Planing catamaran designs do not wander.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

All planing hulls don't wander.Not like an I/O<br /> Boats really heavy in the stern wander because of the angle of the bottom in relation to travel<br />direction.All the straight inboards I have driven tracked very well with almost no wander and thats with only the rudder and no external keel to help tracking.

 

[KCook]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Spike - Were those straight inboard boats low deadrise? As with ski boats?<br /><br />Kelly

 

[nlain]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> Get a set of Smart Tabs. They will practically eliminate the no wake speed bow steer.

Smart Tabs work well.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

The old inboards have a full length keel section. That is why I can steer them straight. Modern boats are missing 1/3 of the hull that is supposed to be in the water keeping the boat straight. Old woodies have the opposite problem. They do not like to turn the last 50' to the boat slip. Pick you poison.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Boat tracking at slow speeds

I think I can design a boat that steers at slow speed and does not wander.-----A full length keel with a stern drive. That will wok.