Boat moves right and left slow speeds

[19'Rinker]

Hello, Just purchased a 19' Rinker Cuddy, it has a 3.0 merc and an alpha 1 outdrive. When the boat is moveing at no wake speed it moves from right then left then right, I've looked at the steering shaft to the outdrive and it is tight and not moving when the boat does this, when the boat is at plaining speeds it is very straight. There is no hydrofoil or plaining tabs installed. Could this be a bad prop?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Boat moves right and left slow speeds

Its just V hull wander. There is nothing wrong with the boat, its just a trait of the hull. You get used to predicting it and adjusting your steering input to compensate. You don't need to overcompensate, it makes it worse. With practice you can make it all but unnoticable, but you don't really have to worry about it.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Boat moves right and left slow speeds

Yup. The hull is designed for planing speeds and will wander as described at low speeds. It may improve by adding a little to the throttle. Keep in mind though, that all energy produced to raise the bow is YOUR fuel spent on something that does not move the boat forward. Go at speeds below 'bow-raise' or go at planing speeds (unless you need the bow high to receive head on waves etc.)<br /><br />Adding gizmos to the hull won't do much in this respect. A good old fashioned long keel will help but certainly doesn't suit your boat and will prevent it from planing.

 

[19'Rinker]

Re: Boat moves right and left slow speeds

OK, Thanks guys, I won't spend anymore time trying to chase that down.

 

[catfish1]

Re: Boat moves right and left slow speeds

"low speed wander" i disagree that gizmos on the hull wont do much. look at smart tabs, i put a set on my boat and the low speed wander was completely 100% eliminated. there is no doubt in my mind they would eliminate it in yours as well.

 

[CaptMick]

Re: Boat moves right and left slow speeds

Be glad it's not a Volvo 280...Impossible to go straight until you give it some gas.