Boat leans to the left

[Rock Chalk]

I've read about similar problems from another posting. I have a 120 Force & the skeg is slightly bent, the prop has seen better days, & the little tab under the hydrofoil is turned one way slightly. The boat definitely leans to the left & turns to the left much easier than right. Any suggestions on where to start? The prop is a 13x19 I believe. Is it possible to bend the skeg straight again, for starters? Thanks for your help.

 

[109jb]

Re: Boat leans to the left

Get the skeg fixed and adjust the trim tab. The back of the tab should be to the right. About 1 to 2 o'clock, or in that range. With a bent skeg, all bets are off on how far to position the tab or if it will be effective enough.

 

[Rock Chalk]

Re: Boat leans to the left

How would I go about fixing the skeg? Is it going to snap if I try to bend it back with something? It's not terribly bent, but noticeable. If I fix the skeg & replace the prop, would you say there is a good chance this takes care of the leaning issue? I was just in the garage looking at the motor & I'm thinking it's not completely centered with the boat. Maybe off the the right an inch & a half. Not that I see any way to center it (I don't want to drill new holes or anything like that) but could this be part of the problem as well? Thanks again.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: Boat leans to the left

I would pay a marine welding shop to have it fixed properly. I have heard of othe boaters on this forum that tried to bend back their skeg on their own and have broken it completely off. Mine is bent slightly and has been chewed up dragging it up the boat ramp (bought it like this). It has been bothering me terribly so it is going into the shop next week top be bent back, welded to look like new and painted for $125.

 

[liquidwrench]

Re: Boat leans to the left

It seems like good advice above. After getting the skeg and prop fixed, there may be some "leaning" to portside that remains from the propeller's natural lifting force that can be reduced with use of transom mounted trim tabs; or possibly a shift of gear aboard the boat to put more weight on the starboard side.