Torque Steer Problem/Suggestions?

[brownies]

Not sure if in the correct forum, but, pretty sure I'd not have this problem if I didn't have a prop....so....here goes.
The boat is an 04 Skeeter zx250. Motor is Yamaha 250hp. Prop Yamaha 25p three blade.
Boat has hydraulic steering, so, it doesn't really PULL to the right like a cable steering set-up. Problem is...it'd just darn near HARD WORK to turn the thing left when running on pad.
The Yamaha lower unit has a pointed nose cone with lower water pickup and the skeg has the starboard (right) side flared. (factory yamaha set-up). The skeg is flared at the trailing edge to act like a "torque tamer".
Problem is, it's not enough to offset the prop torque.

As with my other boat, I bought a torque tamer to install on the skeg. That cure my other boats torque steer problem completely.
I guess the question is: Think I should grind off the factory flare completely, or just enough to get a flat surface to install the aftermarket torque tamer?
OR, might that pointed nose on the lower unit be causing some of this?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Torque Steer Problem/Suggestions?

See how the torque tamer fits. You might have to grind some off so it'll sit flat. We weld ours on rather than use pop rivits or screws. In fact a lot of times we make a torque tamer with weld. Just build it up and shape it as needed.

Keep in mind the torque is still there, the hydraulic steering is hiding it from the steering wheel.

 

[brownies]

Re: Torque Steer Problem/Suggestions?

DH, thanks.
I realize the torque will still be there. Just need some more offset so that I can turn to the left easier while running.
If this was cable steering, I bet it'd be all you could do just to hold it straight.
Just seems like adding a torque tamer will be like "doubling up" on the side of the skeg. Since Yamaha already added a flare. But, I've had three props on it now and no difference in steering.
I'll install torque tamer tomorrow and see how it goes.
Thanks again.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Torque Steer Problem/Suggestions?

What you're seeing isn't unusual. On race boats we actually spend as much time - if not more - on the gearcase and skeg shape than on the powerhead. If there's torque in the wheel, the gearcase is running crooked thru the water. It's not unusual to get rid of the torque and gain a couple miles per hour. A lot of hot rod guys don't want hydraulic because they loose the feel.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Torque Steer Problem/Suggestions?

The other thing is props. What props have you tried? If you're using a transom lifting prop and have to use a lot of positive trim to carry the bow you might try a prop with more bow lift.