Boat turns hard to left

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pamaboat

Recruit
Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
2
I just purchaced a 1989 Sun Tracker Party Hut pontoon boat. My problem is that the boat steers hard to the left when the boat is underway. Steers easy when not moving. Any ideas? It is powered by an 88 hp Johnson outboard.
 
Mischief Managed

Mischief Managed

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
1,928
Re: Boat turns hard to left

That's normal. It's cause by engine torque spinning the prop clockwise. There may be a zinc tab of sorts on the anti-ventilation plate, behind the prop, that can be turned to port to offset this and make the steering more neutral.
 
S

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Boat turns hard to left

A BIG WELCOME pamaboat -<br /><br />My boat also steers easy when not moving only problem is that it dosen't go anywhere - even with the engine running???
 
H

Holdimhook

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
648
Re: Boat turns hard to left

Welcome, pamaboat! I had the same problem with my 'toon when I first got it and found that the hard left steering occurred when the motor wasn't trimmed exactly in the optimum position. Try messing with the trim either a little more in or out and see if she doesn't steer a little easier.
 
A

AJ168

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
295
Re: Boat turns hard to left

This is normal engine torque. My 28 HP will actually pull the wheel to port if I let go. And your engine's far more powerful.
 
J

Josh9685

Seaman
Joined
Sep 3, 2005
Messages
52
Re: Boat turns hard to left

hi,<br /><br />does the same thing apply for jet drives? mine is powered by a 460 Ford. at planing speeds it pulls hard left, I have to keep the steering wheel to the right to make it go straight.<br /><br />josh
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: Boat turns hard to left

In all cases, there is usually a trim tab under the cav. plate.<br /><br />Turn the trailing edge of the tab in the direction of the pull.
 
P

pamaboat

Recruit
Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
2
Re: Boat turns hard to left

Thanks for the info. I'll try playing around with the trim tab.
 
E

eli_lilly

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
435
Re: Boat turns hard to left

Thanks DJ, that explains a problem I noticed after I reassembled my lower unit and I just now realized that I trimmed the tab to the wrong side - I was thinking about it from the perspective of moving the boat, not the engine.
 
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