low speed handling

[gauzor]

I have a 2007 GS202/IO with 4.3 volvo GXI. I purchased the boat new this is my second season. I have not owned a deck boat or pontoon until the Hurricane. The boat is very difficult to handle at low speeds below 2000 rpm's. It involves constant steering, which makes it difficult to "slow cruise" around the lake. Is this typical of deckboats? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[captsteve25]

Re: low speed handling

I have a 226 RE purchased in February. I have found at slow speeds the Hurricane tracks much better than my previous 23' center console.
My 150 four-stroke came with hydraulic steering. If you don't have hydraulic steering maybe you should check into it.

 

[gauzor]

Re: low speed handling

Thanks for the feedback. I do have the hydraulic steering option. The dealer claims its a hull design issue, I have a hard time believing that as I researched the brand and model quite well. The response I received from Hurricane was that these boats simply dont handle well at slow cruise speed. You have the outboard I wonder if that makes a difference?

 

[captsteve25]

Re: low speed handling

I had an I/O about 15 years ago and noticed the boat (a 21' Wellcraft) did wander when at idle speed in the canals.

I run in and out a river to the Gulf with and without the tidal action. I noticed that a friends Hurricane did not wander as much as my other boats. That convinced me to buy mine this year.

This is an all-around good boat for me, scalloping/fishing and just putting around. I've only got 40 hours on it so I'm sure I'll find something I don't like.
I know it's too late for you but for piece of mind maybe try a friends "outboard" Hurricane and compare.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: low speed handling

You could install smart tabs...

 

[jkust]

Re: low speed handling

I went from an outboards only for decades with no wander to a 4.3 I/O with the same wandering issues at slow speeds. Finally I realized if I don't constantly correct it and just hold the wheel straight it will go straight. It will go a little right, a little left, a little right but in a straight line. I no longer correct and slow cruising is much easier.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: low speed handling

I had my 202 OB out for the first time last weekend, and had an problem with slow speed steering as well! I have hydraulic power steering option as well. The boat is at the dealer checking for possible air in the system. I felt like I had 30% control while launching and docking... It was a flipping nightmare! On plane the boat was perfect... Strange?

 

[jt185]

Re: low speed handling

This slow speed behavior was explained to me as "bow steering". I was told it was common behavior, especially with I/O. Some hull designs are more prone to the back and forth. Over-correction trying to steer out of it makes it worse.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: low speed handling

Yep,

But my previous boat 19' bowrider with Mercruiser I/O didn't do that at all... This boat has Yamaha F150 4 stroke MPI O/B, so I thought it strange...