boat leaning badly

[james28144]

My boat is a 1971 Manatee with a 1971 Evinrude 50 hp outboard.
I just recently put her back in the water after 3 years. The motor had some work done and carbs rebuilt.
I noticed that the boat leans terribly to the drivers side when I am the only person in it.
If I have someone else on board sitting beside me, it will level out somewhat, but it turns to the right while driving level.
If I let loose of the steering, it will pull hard to the right.
I was out in it last weekend with a friend and his two boys and we had to drive with the boat leaning to the right to go in a straight line!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: boat leaning badly

Have you checked for leakage, or water trapped in the hull under the sub-floor.

 

[james28144]

Re: boat leaning badly

there is some leakage. I have a small hole in the very center rib on the bottom of the boat. I have pulled the plug and emptied about a gallon or less of water after being on the lake for about 4 hours.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: boat leaning badly

Was the engine removed from the boat? Was it put back on the boat center line? What position is the trim tab in if the gearcase was removed?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: boat leaning badly

Can the battery and fuel tank be moved to the left side?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: boat leaning badly

does it sit level with no one in the boat? if not move things till it does. then try it.

 

[Dusky Mike]

Re: boat leaning badly

Does this only happen when you are on plane? If so, check the pitch on your prop. If the pitch is not matched to the motor, it will list really badly. To check this, put it on plane and tilt slightly up...if this cures it, get your prop pitched to match the boat/motor.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: boat leaning badly

During the three years when this boat was not being used, how was it stored? If it was outside, then you've got a bunch of water in the foam, I'm betting.

Did it lean to one side before you stored it?

I'm betting you have a waterlogged boat.

 

[james28144]

Re: boat leaning badly

the boat sits level in water with no one on board. The fuel tanks and battery can be moved to the left side. The boat sat out in the weather for 3 years.
I had the motor worked on, but it was not removed from the boat. The prop was changed from a 17 pitch to a 15 pitch prop.(that may be the problem).
I checked the trim tab and everything is lined up square and straight with the boat.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: boat leaning badly

I believe you're saying that the boat pulls towards the right while underway.

Assuming that the engine is in the same location on the transom as it was previously, this indicates that someone has moved the trimtab from its original position (trimtab just above the propeller).

In small segments (1/8" or so), move the trimtab in the direction of the pulling until you find a position whereas the steering is equal in both directions at any throttle setting, including full throttle.

 

[james28144]

Re: boat leaning badly

I believe you're saying that the boat pulls towards the right while underway.

Assuming that the engine is in the same location on the transom as it was previously, this indicates that someone has moved the trimtab from its original position (trimtab just above the propeller).

In small segments (1/8" or so), move the trimtab in the direction of the pulling until you find a position whereas the steering is equal in both directions at any throttle setting, including full throttle.

I will not take her out till next weekend, but I will adjust the trim tab to see if this fixes the problem.
The foot was removed in the past and had a new seal kit installed and new shaft replaced. The trim tab may have been bolted on at an angle. Thanks for your input.