1993 Marada 21ft Bowrider Leaning hard Starboard HELP!

[wahlejim]

What type/brand of tabs do you have? If they are hydraulic, check the fluid level. Functioning smart tabs should make a noticeable difference.

 

[tsumma]

They are the Nauticus Smart Tabs

 

[wahlejim]

It may be as simple as the actuators not being calibrated to each other and one is pushing harder than the other. There is a FAQ section on their website, read through that and watch their videos for installation and calibration.

 

[wahlejim]

Also make sure they are the same actuator on both sides

 

[tsumma]

Thanks wahlejim they were on the boat when I got it. I should also make sure they are even the right ones I believe they have 5 or 6 different models

 

[tacx]

Maybe you should try eliminating them from the issue and take them off and see how the boat performs without their input.

 

[tsumma]

Yeah I would agree I'm just an hour from the nearest body of water so testing this has been difficult in the two weeks I've owned it.

 

[Blind Date]

Maybe you should try eliminating them from the issue and take them off and see how the boat performs without their input.

Good advice!

Sort of - there's a tab on most stern drives under the cavitation plate. It's a trim tab. It's just one of those "check here first" things - easy to fix, easy to make sure there's no problem

The torque tab(not trim tab) under the cavitation plate will not cause the boat to list while on plane, no matter how it is positioned. It will cause it to pull left or right when you take your hand off the wheel, but it absolutely will not cause it to list. Those are only necessary for sterndrives w/o power steering which amounts to basically the older 4 bangers. Anything with power steering should have a flat/blank plate.

 

[tsumma]

Ok thanks Bling Date that is how I understood it as well. I'm still trying to find the time to get the boat back in the water without the trim tabs hooked up.

 

[wahlejim]

Do you have a jack, a scale, and a 2x4? I believe those nauticus tabs are just sealed gas acuators without external switches.

put the jack on the bathroom scale, cut a 2 x 4 to fit between the tab and the jack. Jack it up until the acuator starts compressing. Do it on both sides and record the measurement on the scale.

Note: This won't give you an accurate indication of which actuators are on there (Nauticus sells them from 40 -90 pounds) but it will give you comparison numbers. If the numbers are way off, they aren't acting in sync on the water like they should. They are $32 replacement parts per tab if they are not in sync.

 

[tsumma]

Yes I have all that I'm going to drive the boat without them attached first then I may work towards figuring those out. But honestly are they even needed on a boat my size?

 

[Alumarine]

They might be needed to solve a list while underway or improve time to get up on plane.
It does sound like they are adjusted incorrectly.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Oh the pleasure of owning a pleasure boat eh?. I am learning here as I have never had an I/O. With all the things we need to deal with in everyday life it isn't very pleasurable having your issue. I have nothing to add other than to say hang in there, you will get that boat straightened out so you can enjoy it. I know a guy that has the same problem as you have for years. He just holds the steering wheel to keep the boat straight. He couldn't care less and enjoys his boat. He's going to live to 100. Maybe there is a lesson in his attitude.

 

[tsumma]

Ok another update guys the leaning starboard when on plane was not changed by removing the smart tabs. The only thing it helped was my speed slightly. Im 285lbs so in order to drive my boat I need 3 adults on the port side or it's leaning hard enough its uncomfortable

 

[Alumarine]

Then at least put the starboard tab back on.

 

[KYBoating@Nolin]

Fuel tank is in the center of the boat, Battery is on the Starboard side but I have an umbrella weight on the opposite side to equal all that out.. I've never heard of a boat being waterlogged this boat has very little hours still has original interior in mint condition carpet and floor is all in great condition. How would that even happen?

Just purchased a 1993 Marada Open Bow 21ft boat OMC Powertrain with a 5.0. The issue I'm having is once the boat reaches cruising speed 25+ it leans hard starboard unless I have all persons and gear on the port side. The boat has a 14.5 x 19p Quicksilver 3 Blade Aluminum on it. The boat DOES have smart tabs but I've changed the positions and this still happens. ANY suggestions would be great.

Did you get this resolved? I have a 1995 Marada. Mfg. by Armada - now out of business. You probably know this by now. My boat did this initially. On the first few trips on the water, it was bad. Scared the crap outta me. My buddy was driving once and pulling a wakeboarder. Got on a wake and it listed drastically starboard. He was going very fast and I thought we were gonna flip. He finally got it under under control. I was very cautious driving it for a while. It would list often. I haven’t noticed it for a long time however.

At one point, the boat was taking on water and it was due to a part (valve maybe?) that had come unfastened and lying in the exhaust manifold. It vibrated a hole in the manifold. Water seeped in. It could have been taking on water slowly over the years which was causing the list. My bilge pump stated running constantly so I took it to be serviced. This is when they found the problem. So point being, you might have a water intake issue. Does your bilge pump kick on often. Mine rarely does now. Def not an expert but I know when something isn’t right.

Hope this helps if you haven’t resolved it.

 

[jbcurt00]

Did you get this resolved
Hope this helps if you haven’t resolved it.

Its been 4yrs, not likely to get or reply to your post

Closed