Steers hard to the left

[bjboat]

I have a 94 Smoker Craft Ultima 175. When running wide open, turning to the left takes a considerable amount of effort compared to turning right. It will also "pull hard to the right" if you losen the grip on the wheel. Any ideas? Thanks, BJ

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Steers hard to the left

When you are at your most used operating point (speed, trim setting, load distribution) taking your hand off the wheel should be a non-event. If not, move your trim tab rear end in the direction of the problem. Like if your boat steers to the starboard (right) move the rear of the tab to the right. The more, the more. Some say just a bit at a time. I say, max it out. If you went too far you can bring it back accordingly. Very well may be that you will leave it there if you are having the problem you say you have.

Correcting this should alleviate the hard steering to the left.

Mark

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steers hard to the left

If moving the trim tab does not alleviate the problem then you have to lower your motor one bolt hole down since it may be mounted too high.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Steers hard to the left

When you are at your most used operating point (speed, trim setting, load distribution) taking your hand off the wheel should be a non-event.

agreed, only thing i'll add is not just load distribution, just plain load. the trim tab setting is set to specific set of circumstances. when circumstances are not met. it may pull one way or the other still.

Some say just a bit at a time. I say, max it out.

i'm in the just a bit at a time crowd. when i was a kid i tried the max it out thing on my dad's 16' glastron with a merc 900 (90hp) ob. on the test run, i got up to top speed and she started chine walking. happened real fast too and almost lost it. scared the beegeezes out of me. and that was when i was 16 or 17. young and invincible ya know. not... anyways, i adj. a bit at a time now a days.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: Steers hard to the left

Cable steering or hydraulic?

 

[Philster]

Re: Steers hard to the left

A motor sitting high will exacerbate this problem.