NASCAR Steering

[Dalmorloson]

Let me start by saying that I am a total newbie when it comes to boats. I bought a camper off of a guy and he asked if I wanted his boat too. Long story short I am now the (proud?) owner of a 1988 18ft. Cabin Cruiser. It has a 120hp Mercruiser. The reason this is titled NASCAR steering is because this boat would do left hand circles if I didn't hold the wheel to the right. It will turn left on its own and seems to (bank?) nicely. When turning right it is almost a struggle and the boat doesn"t "bank" in the turn...more like plowing. My trim tab is snapped off. Is this the problem or wouldn't that cause these symptoms? Sorry for my lack of knowledge or terminolog. If it is the problem, which trim tab do I need to have installed? When I research them I get overwhelmed with choices. I just want a low cost simple solution (don't we all?)

 

[mike165]

Re: NASCAR Steering

Replace the T tab and adjust it first

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: NASCAR Steering

Welcome to the forum. But first of all. What boat are you talking about?? PICS. If you mean the trim tab anode on the drive yes this could effect your tracking. If you mean a trim tab is broken off like Bennett trim tabs, you need to replace that puppy.

 

[Dalmorloson]

Re: NASCAR Steering



Sorry. I am really that much of a newb. I don't even know what you are asking me, but here are some pics.

 

[grarrsmi]

Re: NASCAR Steering

A few things. need to fix the tab on the bottom of your lower unit. Second, replace the trim anode that is broke off. Third, get rid of the wings that were put on the drive. I read a few times they are not recommended on the Mercruisers by Mercury and they will pull your boat in one way or another. Put them on mine and took them right back off because it was pulling so bad.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: NASCAR Steering

The obvious is the missing trim tab but you're also missing most of the bottom skeg and it looks like a good chunk of the whale tale is missing also. The prop has a pretty good ding in it also. Replace the trim tab anode, get a skeg guard and put it on the skeg to replace the missing portion. Dump the whale tale as was already suggested and get another prop.

Based on the damage I'm guessing this thing lost power and was on the rocks at one time.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: NASCAR Steering

^+1 - Get yourself one of these

and one of these

and get rid of the whale tail.

 

[Bondo]

Re: NASCAR Steering

^+1 - Get yourself one of these

and one of these

and get rid of the whale tail.

Ayuh,.... And,... another prop that ain't bent up...

 

[dkellogg3]

Re: NASCAR Steering

....and if that anode is that eaten up, you probably should replace 'em all. (Note, it looks like the one(s) on the trim cylinder is (are) gone altogether.