fletcher hard to turn left under power

[vaughanr]

Hiya all. I have a 20' fletcher with a mercury 135 blackmax outboard. i have put a teleflex nfb steering system on it this year and am now having big problems turning left whilst under power, the steering turns very easily whilst no power on, it seems to get harder to turn the more power used. can anyone help please?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

This is going to sound strange but you might need to lower your motor height by one hole on the transom.

I encountered that exact problem on a bass boat that I was playing with props and motor height. I got my fastest speed raised up but LOST the ability to turn left.

 

[vaughanr]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

thanks for the advise. i have thought about the engine height but dismissed it at the time because the steering seemed to be ok before changing the steering system, it had rack and pinion steering before. i will now put this on my list of thing to try

 

[Boatist]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

Does your motor have an adjust trim tab on the stern of the caviation plate.
If it does then you need to adjust it.
Mark the position where it is at and make a big change toward the center then make a run and note any difference.
Usually takes about 3 runs to get close.

Also is the skeg bent at all to either side? If it is then it needs to be straigntened.
I wont advise how to strighten as too much can crack the case and make thing worse.

 

[DJ]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

Trim tab.

Turn the rear of the tab in the direction of the pull.

 

[vaughanr]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

Thanks again to you all. I will also try the trim tab this weekend, I have also been told that doel fins would help any thoughts on this?

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

Not sure on the doel fins, but the trim tab will help. You probably won't get it perfectly even, after playing with mine years ago, I still could turn easier to the right. I chalked it up to prop rotation, and learned to live with it. My new boat will have hyd steering - if I ever get it! Good luck and report back what you find.

 

[QC]

Re: fletcher hard to turn left under power

Thanks again to you all. I will also try the trim tab this weekend, I have also been told that doel fins would help any thoughts on this?

I hate hydrofoil type batwing device thingeys, so take my advice with a grain of salt. NO!! Especially not for steering torque issues. Odd that your steering force increased in one direction with this change . . . Definitely start with the trim tab under the AV plate.