Boat pulls while underway

[Petey_racer]

Hey all.
I have an '87 Baja Islander180 with a 3.0l Merc I/O. While under power at cruising speed if I let go of the wheel the boat will pull to the left rather hard. I HAVE to hold the wheel the whole time or this will happen.
Also, the boat lists to the left, also while under power.

I have never had either of these things happen before so I am concerned. This boat is new to me so I do not know the history. It runs and drives perfectly otherwise.

Anyone have any ideas of what problems I should be looking for?
Thanks.

 

[oops!]

Re: Boat pulls while underway

there is a tab behind your prop that counters the thrust of the prop.

there is a good chance this is just misaligned.

as far as the list, try moving thinds around....moving a battery or a cooler really helps

 

[Petey_racer]

Re: Boat pulls while underway

Thanks Admiral.

I pulled the most obvious forum goof and didn't search first. I have been reading since I posted this and realize what the issue is with the pull. I did change the lower unit water pump this winter so I must have put the trim tab back in slightly off, even though I marked it and thought I put it back in the same. Heck, it could have been this way the whole time.

I also realize how the adjustment seems counter to what I would think. The tab steers the lower unit and the lower unit steers the boat. Turning the tab to the left moves the lower unit to the right, correcting a left pull.
Right?

As far as the list, I thought I had everything pretty balanced but I guess not enough. Hopefully the trim adjustment will help a bit.