Bow Steer

[PaulG]

I have a 1994 20ft. Thundercraft Cuddy I/O with unexpected excessive bow steer. I have been told this is normal for larger I/O boats, but with my last boat, a 1985 17ft. Larson I/O, it was possible to steer at any speed with little or no correction at all. A 3 ft. difference hardly seems enough for that much more bow steer. Steering is fine on plane or fast speeds, but most of my boating is chugging around the perimeter of a lake relaxing and enjoying the scenery. So my question is, can anything be done to eliminate any of the bow steer? I've had the steering system checked and no excessive play was found. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx, PaulG

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Bow Steer

Do you have a lot of gear stored in the cuddy? Just how fast is chugging? Can you trim the drive up a bit and see if the bow comes up. Do you have trim tabs, if so try putting them all the way down.

 

[PaulG]

Re: Bow Steer

Thanks for the quick response. The cuddy is completely empty except for the sleeping mats. Chugging is my own word for going as slow as the boat will go, too slow for a speedometer reading. Lastly, there are no trim tabs installed. I'll try trimming up the drive. I haven't tried that. I bought Doelfins in the spring but haven't installed them because I'm not crazy about drilling holes in the drive, but if you think it would help, I'll install them. Again, thanks for the quick response. PaulG

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Bow Steer

I wouldn't be in a real hurry to install the fins either, I know it cost more but there is a product out there called "Smart Tabs" that seem to do a very good job. The doel fin might help get you plane quicker but won't do anything to help this steering problem.

 

[PaulG]

Re: Bow Steer

Bob, thanks again for the quick response. I'll certainly look into the "Smart Tabs". I'll try anything at this point. I'll get back to the forum if it works. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. PaulG