Can't make it go straight!

[Walleye Dan]

Yes, I'm old and not the smartest but I have always been able to go in a straight line! I have recently purchased a 1986 Sunbird with a 4.3 and OMC Outdrive. At slow speed I can not keep it straight! I use light corrections, make passengers remain in their seats, no wind, not much current and still back and forth like a skier down a mountain. Is it just me or what? Suggestions please.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Welcome aboard. all outdrive boats have a bit of wander.

 

[agallant80]

It will be worse or better depending on hull. There is no keel so they all wonder. I found my self making it worse by chasing it.

 

[Captain Ollie West]

The wander can be exacerbated by trying to correct for it. Trying to travel in a perfect straight line in a boat at low speed will drive you nuts. If there is nothing to hit, point the boat in the direction in which you wish to go and sit back. The boat will likely wander a little in each direction and balance out fairly well. You should only need to make adjustments if you start to veer to far off coarse.

 

[thumpar]

I just let it wonder back and forth until I get out of the no wake zone. Correcting it seems to make it worse.

 

[Slip Away]

No need to have passengers stay put, unless they are in your way. Get use to the wander on a boat with one engine, single prop. They all do it. it happens a little less with one engine and a dual prop, or one engine and a 4 blade prop.

 

[southkogs]

As the gang has been sayin' - and especially if you're used to outboards, I/Os like to wander naturally. My old tiller drive fishing boat will go forever in a straight line without me really touching the tiller much ... my stern drive likes to go sight seein'

 

[QC]

Other than the suggestions above, the only solution is adding trim tabs and running them in full down position. It does make a difference.

 

[Thalasso]

Other than the suggestions above, the only solution is adding trim tabs and running them in full down position. It does make a difference.

:thumb:

 

[Slip Away]

Other than the suggestions above, the only solution is adding trim tabs and running them in full down position. It does make a difference.

Yup, but at an ever so slight decrease in fuel economy due to the drag of the tabs.