My Boat Drives Crooked

[thaddeus76]

I have an 86 3.0L, non-powersteering alpha-1 on the BR pictured in my avatar.

When at cruise, or even at a fast idle (below planing speed) my boat needs left steering to track straight. I can let go of the wheel and it does not pull in one direction or the other, but the top of the wheel is pointed to the 10 o clock position.

I tried adjusting the trim tab, but that only made the boat pull, so I reset it.

I had a spotter check the aligment of what straight was in the driveway, and it lined up. Then during my seatrial, while driving at a fast idle, I had the driver trim slighly up so I could see the angle of the outdrive, and it was in fact angled, while tracking straight.

This has been going on as long as I've owned the boat(3rd season), and never really bothered me, but I'm just curious if this is a normal situation?

Thanks

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

Depending on weight distribution, and the boats attitude vee hulls will have a tendency bow steer. Is this what you are experiencing.

 

[thaddeus76]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

Not sure. I'll start searching that possibility. Thanks

 

[Boatist]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

Not sure if your worries are that the wheel is not straight up or if the outdrive is not dead center.

Wheel being straight up is rare because will only go on in three position.

If to go straight you need to turn the wheel some then there are things you could try.
First take a big level and put on some flat surface like the rear deck or maybe on the dash. See if the boat is riding level in the water. If it is not level then the V bow will cause it to turn one way oth the other. To correct this you have to turn the wheel a little. also try moving weight from side to side.

Another factor is the Prop you are useing. All props will affect the stern of the boat some.
Usually a Right hand prop will push the back of the boat to starboard a little when you kick it in foward.
Also some water come off the top of the prop and hit the outdrive or boat to push the stern to starboard.
Some props triming the outdrive up and dow will change the stearing a little.
The rotation of the prop turning will cause boat to lean the opsite direction just a little.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

depending on the type helm, you can take the cable out adjust the wheel and retread the cable. there also may be an adjustment at the stern connection.

 

[thaddeus76]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

Not sure if your worries are that the wheel is not straight up or if the outdrive is not dead center.

Wheel being straight up is rare because will only go on in three position.

I guess its more that the outdrive is angled. The wheel does not bother me. Thanks for the explanation and the advice. It was very helpful. I'll try the level test.

I don't understand the three position statment. I attached a picture of my steering wheel.


TD- Its a R & P setup. I may just leave well enough alone. Even though the wheel is cocked, at least I know the true position of the outdrive. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

That wheel position looks perfect in the photo.

 

[INJUN]

Re: My Boat Drives Crooked

I have the same problem, mine pulls to starboard. It dosen't really bother me because I keep my hands on the wheel, all the time I'm in motion. However, when I want to leave the helm for a few seconds to grab something, I hook up a small bungee cord on one of the spokes to hold her on course. Of course I look around to be sure it is safe to do so (lobsterpot bouys, other boats , etc.). I take it off as soon as I return, usually in less than 10 seconds.