Boat wants to run on the left side

[Bricball]

I have a 1989 Ranger 680c model with a 1979 115hp Johnson. This model is a more of a V bottom model with a center (slight right) console. Portable 12 gallon gas tank.
Last weekend I took it out and it started to run on its left side chines(not wanting to run center). It would do this at higher speeds on plane.....not at lower speeds. I first thought it might be weight distribution...but I shift the gas tank and everything I could find to the right....but it still would run tilted to the left. I thought "well am I taking on water?" which I checked everything...and didnt find a drop. Watched my engine while running at top speeds and the motor is perfectly straight on the transom.
I took it out of the water for the day and looked at the prop. I am thinking that it might be the little zinc fin that is above the prop? If I adjust that do you think the boat will run more even(flat)?
I thought about buying and installing a dol-fin but I don't have a problem with bow rise.....just this darn thing wanting to run on its left.

I'm puzzle'd and need some help.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

Did you just get this boat?

I had a 16' that would run on the port side like that. I fixed it by buying a new boat. I never could figure it out.

And Welcome to the iboats forum.

 

[Bricball]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

Yep just got it this year and it is a gem! it is in awesome shape because the guy I bought it from never used it. It sat in a barn for over 18 yrs. Gelcoat is perfect and it runs like a scalded dog....just need to figure out this running left thing...I am a pretty savvy dude...but I wanted to get expert advice before messing with that zinc fin. Like I said...it just started last weekend.

Probably wont ever get rid of it unless someone wants to offer top dollar.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

That fin is to adjust the amount of steering feel you get. It has no affect on the attitude of the boat.
If its sat on a trailer for 18 years straight Id guess the hull is not flat and true any more. That will cause a problem. Check the hull for flatness and use a long straight edge to see if the keel is straight.

If you turn hard to starboard will it stand up after you some out of the turn?

 

[Bricball]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

If I turn to the right...it flattens out fine..... but when I straighten out the steering it will hang left again. Only does it at higher speeds. Doesnt do it on the troll or while planing only when I am on plane or higher. I think it is engine torque related.
The hull is definitely even. I have had it out over 15 times this year...and this is the only time it has done it. puzzled.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

Maybe the motor is off center.
Take real good measurments and see.

I guess it could be torque related, might try a 4 blade prop. They seem to take alot of the torque feel out atleast.

At least yours would stand up right, mine never would.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

It is from prop torque. Boats with a pronounced V sometimes lean as described.
.Did you say it didn't do it first few times out?Perhaps you loaded something or added or removed something that changed the trim.Even a for or aft change might cause a trim change that amplifies the lean.
If the wind is coming from the port side it would lean that way from steering.
or perhaps a river currant.
You might check the height of the motor.On plane the antivent plate
just above the prop should be visable. Raising the motor may relieve some of the lean. Forget the foil but trim tabs either active or passive might help.
Trimming in may help.What is the max rpm and speed?

 

[Bricball]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

Max speed is about 45(GPS)....I dont know about RPM because I dont have a meter.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

Max speed is about 45(GPS)....I dont know about RPM because I dont have a meter.

Its really important to know your motors rpm both for its health and performance.
A tinytach is about $47 and easy to install.They have a web site.
The correct prop might solve some of your problem.

 

[drivehard]

Re: Boat wants to run on the left side

When you were tilting to the port, were you loaded heavier than normal, or had more weight in the bow? I have been reading that type of problem can be solved by getting the nose up a bit more. Either shift weight to the rear, or trim up some more. When I have our bow full of our little ones, our Bryant does the same thing.