Boat leaning to the left when cruising

[bay98]

Hi guys,

My dad is basically a brand new boater and purchased a 24ft 1998 Bayliner last year. He used the boat multiple times last summer and everything ran fine. This spring he installed automatic trim tabs to cut down on the raising of the boat.

We took the boat out for the first time yesterday, July 4th. The first thing I noticed as soon as he went more than 10mph was that the boat had a large lean to the left. Personally I was a bit nervous when we were pushing 40 MPH (top speed) as the boat really leaned. I'm convinced it is related to these trim tabs. This is where my boating knowledge ends so can someone please help me as I don't want any accidents this year.

These are what the trim tabs look like.
http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/large/1966241.jpg

Thanks a lot,
Tim

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Boat leaning to the left when cruising

Hi guys,

This spring he installed automatic trim tabs to cut down on the raising of the boat.

as soon as he went more than 10mph the boat had a large lean to the left.Tim

Two things to look for:
(1) Are BOTH tabs equally adjusted?

(2) MANUALLY raise each tab against the gastube resistance. Is one weaker than the other.

(Nauticus has replaced two of my cylinders in the past two season due to failed gas-tubes!)

 

[bay98]

Re: Boat leaning to the left when cruising

Thanks for the response Eddie.

I'll check these things out for the old man this weekend and report back.

Tim

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Boat leaning to the left when cruising

I had that leaving the cove last season. I came to an idle and asked those of increased girth to trade places with the children on the starboard side.