A couple different problems

[adamsb]

I just got my first boat last weekend, a 74 Glasspar w/ 85hp merc, and took it out on the water to see how she runs. The engine itself ran fine but I did notice a couple of other problems. First, when I give it full throttle and let go, the throttle will slip back down to a lower speed instead of staying. My second problem is the boat wants to pull to the right really hard so I have to hold it hard to the left, and then turning left is a pain. I don't know much about boats so any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you

 

[QC]

Re: A couple different problems

Welcome to iboats!!

1) There is probably a tension adjustment on the throttle handle somewhere. Maybe you should post a pic.

2) There should be a little vertical trim tab just above the propeller.

 

[rndn]

Re: A couple different problems

The trim tab above the propeller will help ease the hard pulling to the right. Adjust, try it, adjust and try it again until you get it close to going straight on it's own. As mentioned above there should be a tension adjustment to increase tension on the throttle cable so it will stay put.

 

[adamsb]

Re: A couple different problems

I do have a big half moon chip out of the skeg, could this be causing it?

 

[adamsb]

Re: A couple different problems

Oh, another thing, are all throttles interchangable? The one I have on my boat has two, one for F, N, and R, and the other for the throttle. I would like to replace it with just the one handle.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: A couple different problems

Yes, a big chunk out of the skeg will reduce the engines ability to hold a line. Think about a big chunk missing out of a rudder. You can have it repaired or try one of those slip on skeg repair products. That should help and then you can adjust the trip tab above the prop.

Yes, you can buy a 3rd party (like Teleflex/Morse) single lever control or use a mercury single lever control. In either case, you need to use mercury compatible cables. It is an easy change.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: A couple different problems

I just got my first boat last weekend, a 74 Glasspar w/ 85hp merc, and took it out on the water to see how she runs. The engine itself ran fine but I did notice a couple of other problems. First, when I give it full throttle and let go, the throttle will slip back down to a lower speed instead of staying. My second problem is the boat wants to pull to the right really hard so I have to hold it hard to the left, and then turning left is a pain. I don't know much about boats so any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you

Tighten the tensioner, fix the skeg and re-aim the fin to keep it straight.