I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Automatic

M

mcu

Cadet
Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Messages
19
Hi Guys,<br />Its me again...I put up a site with a few pics of my Alpa One and Prop. Hopefully, this will help you guys point out the problem to what is causing my boat to turn to the left as soon as I let my steering wheel go. Like I said, its to the point where I don't feel confortable driving it.<br />Let me know if you would like to see any other pics of the boat, as I have a digital camera and taking it is only a few secs. http://www.justgowireless.com/boat/ <br />I hope this helps!
 
M

mcu

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Jun 23, 2001
Messages
19
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Also what is the propeller size and pitch that should be on my 1988 Mercruiser Alpha One?
 
Yepblaze

Yepblaze

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Messages
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Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

DSC00587.jpg
<br /><br />I see that the trim tab you have on the drive seems smallish and also that you really don't have it even at a maximum attitude.
 
B

Bear

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Messages
1,627
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

You do need a new trim tab. Also the skeg (big fin under propeller) is bent.<br /><br />There are a few other but things they are less likely. (Engine and drive off center since day one or not a completly straight hull.)<br /><br />Have you had this boat for a long time or have you just baught it?<br />Has it always been like this, as far as you know, or did it occured after a certain incident?<br /><br />Maybe a new trim tab can compensate for the bent skeg. That vill cause some drag wich vill decrease speed and increase fuel consumption. Not much but...
 
M

mcu

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Jun 23, 2001
Messages
19
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

I just bought the boat! How do I unbend the skeg? I wanted to replace the trim tab with a new fin one, but it hits my propeller! SO I guess I will have to buy a new prop....but what size? What should be on there?
 
corm

corm

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Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Hi,<br />Get a high Preformance Trim Tab from a Merc Dealer. This will clear the high rake prop you have on the boat. You may have to add a<br />tourqe tab on the skeg after you get it straight. Next,it looks like you have a hook in the starboard side of your hull where the water drops are on the picture and a hook on the port side of the hull where the trailier<br />fram shadow is. Take a 4 ft straight edge and hold it up to the bottom of the hull paralel with the keel in these spots. It hopefully will be straight and it is just a camara trick. If there is a bump or an indentation post back. What pitch is the high rake prop that you have on the boat?<br />Also the brand, if it is labled. These props don't always work well on IO Drives with small motors.Does the boat handle better if you trim the stern drive out or does it get worse? What RPM will the motor turn up to<br />on the tachometer? Lots of questions and no answers....yet. :) Interesting problem. Oh ya<br />what length is the boat?<br />...have fun...corm
 
M

mcu

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Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Messages
19
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

I did visit a merc dealer, but the trim tab anode is too long and seem that it will hit my prop. My prop is a Quicksilver 13 1/2" x 23 pitch. Do you think I will have to change my prop to fit in an anode trim tab? The boat is a 22'<br />I did not notice any mporments if I raised or lowered the trim. How do I straighten the skeg? All ideas are appreciated. Let me know if you need more pics
 
corm

corm

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May 12, 2000
Messages
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Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Hi MCU,<br />I need another question answered. What size<br />engine do you have, a 120 HP? All merc props are part of the Quicksilver accessories line,<br />but have another name like Lazer,Trophy,QSS,<br />ect. A part number may help to find out what it is. If you have a 120HP the prop is to big for a 22' boat. You should have a 15"-17"<br />prop. Which would decrease the steering wheel<br />tourque. About the trim tab, with the prop you have you need part no. 822777A1 High Preformance Trim Tab. With a standard Alumiun<br />prop you would need part no. 31640A4 Standard<br />Trim Tab. The Std one will get hit by your prop, as you know. Lets worry about the skeg<br />later, as it is not bent that bad. I'll look at your other posts to see if their is more info.<br /><br />------------------<br />...have fun...corm<br /><br />cubic inches = power<br />power = speed<br />speed = FUN<br /><br />Email me if you need to.
 
M

mcu

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Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Messages
19
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Hi Corm,<br /><br />Its a 260HP 1988 Mercruiser 350. I already purchased a high performance trim tab anode that fits! I will try it tomorrow and will let you know the outcome! Should I now worry about the skeg? Will it have an impact on the handling of the boat?<br /><br />Thanks!
 
S

sony2001

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 17, 2001
Messages
607
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

mcu judging from the severty of the left turn I'm thinking that a your bent skeg and anode wouldn't cause that much of a turn. But something like the torque from that prop could. Ask the Merc people how they compensate for torque?<br /><br />------------------
 
F

fone_man

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
701
Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Bent skeg can be repaired at a propshop... my 86 FourWinns 120/Alpha One was bent. My guy who does my props... straightened it on the trailer when I rolled up... quick & simple but it depends on how badly bent.<br /><br />Good luck<br /><br />fone_man
 
J

JTBURF

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Joined
Jul 7, 2001
Messages
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Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

Re: I put up a site with pics to help solve my problem! Boat turns to left Autom

guys seams as you missed the boat on this one if boat turns hard left or right adjust trim tap in that direction it should never be stright in line it might take you a couple adjustments to get it correct but find yourself a shallow enough place on your body of water so you can get out and make adjustment and run to see if you have gotten it correct good luck and be safe
 
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