my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

I just bought a 14 ft LUND with a 25 hp mercury outboard motor (steered from the motor). For whatever reason, the motor pulling very hard to the left at top speed forceing the boat to go to the right. I had to tie a rope(very dangerous) to the motor to help me out otherwise I get tired of fighting it very soon. I adjusted the fin(behind the propeller) all the way to the right (looking at it from behind the motor) but it still pulling very hard to the left. I noticed the plate just above the propeller is above 3 inches below the very bottom of my boat. I am wondering if the motor sitting too low. I also noticed the water would come into the boat from the motor mount if I lift the motor up slightly at top speed. I had to keep the cross pin at the lowest position to prevent the water coming into the boat at top speed. I am not getting any help from the local boat shop. Please help me out. There must be something didn't set up correctly on my boat. I don't think Mercury would make a motor like that.

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

I think that if you jack your engine up to where the plate is at least even with the bottom of the boat, and get off the lowest tilt pin your problem will go away. On the trim tab that you mention, turn the tab in the direction of boat movement. Stand behind the boat. If the boat (not engine) turns to the right, turn the tab to the right.

Do that then comment on whether or not you have water coming in the boat.

A picture would help.

Mark

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

Make sure your motor is mounted in the center of the transom.

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

Thank you Texasmark. I had the trim tab turn all the way to the right(looking at the boat from behind) already. It did improve slightly but the motor still pulling to the left very hard trying to steer the boat to the right. Do you have any more ideas? thank you.

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

Thank you for the information. yes, the motor is mounted in the center of the transom. any more ideas? thank you again.

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

how is the weight distribution in the boat. your most likely sitting on the left side, holding tiller with right arm. won't pull much at low speed, but will when it gets going. motor too low shouldn't really affect this, affect performance more

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

I think there must be a tension adjustment on the pivot shaft. It sounds too loose. If it is tighter the tiller would not need as much work to hold.

Re: my mercury motor pulling to the left !!

Hi LORDY611

Is it possible to tighten up th pivot shaft by myself?