How to correct listing boat?

[rochester]

I have a 16' Rinker with a 70hp Evinrude on it that tends to list to the port side when planing. I can correct it by shifting weight around, but it even does this with me driving (starboard side) and just my wife and I in the boat (with her in the port-side passenger seat). I outweigh her by at least 50-60 lbs. Battery is centered in the stern/bilge area of the boat. I have two portable tanks, one in each corner. My hole shot is great. The boat planes almost immediately, even when pulling tubers, etc. In fact, I think I could go to a prop with less pitch because speed tops out at around 35 mph, and I am not at WOT at this speed. I don't have a tach on the boat. I don't really have a need for more speed, so I don't plan to buy a new prop. It appears that the skeg has been adjusted, but the boat does not seem to pull one way or the other. Could the skeg be the culprit? The boat DOES NOT list noticeably below planing speeds. Would the smart-tabs correct this listing? Also, I have a ladder on the port-side stern corner. How much vertical space would I need to mount the smart-tabs if they are a solution?

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

Rochester, Check this link to help explain the trim fin adjustment:<br /> http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51164

 

[rochester]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

Blk n Blu,<br />I read your link, and it seems to be oriented to fin adjustment to relieve steering pull. As I mentioned, the steering doesn't seem to pull. The boat lists at planing speeds. Do you think fin adjustment makes a difference for listing?

 

[quantumleap]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

No, the trim tab won't help the list. Trimming it up may but tabs are probably the best bet for a boat that size.

 

[rochester]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

Quantumleap,<br />Do you mean fin adjustment won't help the list, but smart-tabs would?

 

[rochester]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

NautiJohn, in case you reference this post,<br />You said, "The answer to your question regarding Smart Tabs ability to correct this - it is yes. You simply adjust the port side with more pressure than the starboard. However, the normal correction may take care of the list and the adjustment may not be required."<br /><br />What do you mean "the normal correction"? Do you mean that just putting the smart-tabs on may correct the problem, or is there some other normal correction? Also, I asked about my ladder... how much vertical room do I need? The ladder folds up. I could go between rungs for the "shock(s)if that is possible, but I would want to be able to fold it down to use it. Do you think the ladder would be a problem?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

The standard installation is to set both plates with the same pressure ( pressure settings are independent )assuming no list. In many cases the list is corrected without loading one side with more pressure than the other.<br /><br />As for room, the plate is just under 12" wide and should be mounted 1/2 inch up from the bottom edge of the boat on the transom. Best position for side to side stability is as far out toward the chines as possible. Although they will be very effective even when mounted in further. The top Transom bracket for the actuator will be approximately 10.5" up from the plate and cetered (perpendicular to the plate). the foot print of this transom bracket is 3/4" wide by 2" tall.<br /><br />You should be able to down load our instructions from our web site. www.NauticusInc.com <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[rochester]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

Thanks NautiJohn! I downloaded the manual. The tabs are just under 12" wide. What is their other dimension, i.e. height? What is the length of the actuator. I was thinking I could make a cardboard version to see what obstruction they might present to my ladder when it is down.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: How to correct listing boat?

The fin you are referring to on the lower unit is often referred to as the trim-tab. Not to be confused with hull mounted trim tabs. Sorry for the mix-up.