How much listing is normal w/o trim?

[Glaspar_Fan]

I have a 1986 27' Searay Sundancer with a single Mercruiser Alpha (SE106 actually) and a Chevy 350 Vortec engine. When we had it out briefly a couple of weeks ago, the trim tabs were not working (left in their fully retracted position.) The boat listed to port significantly, maybe 10 degrees, when on a plane. While putt-putting out of the harbor I didn't notice a list. I suppose some of that is due to reaction to the prop torque, but that much? I'm wondering if that is normal or if the outdrive has a mounting (or other) issue? Except for 20 gallons of water on the port side, it seems like the weight bias on the boat should be on the starboard side where the helm, galley and head are. (Fuel tank is centered.) The trim tabs will be working by the next trip, but if this is due to an issue with the sterndrive I'd like to find out and address it while the motor is out. (Another story.) That was the first and only excursion on the boat since I've had it.

Thanks,

John

 

[partskenn]

Re: How much listing is normal w/o trim?

I owned a Searay 268 with the same power. It would list to starboard until we filled the fresh water tank, than it would even out. Never saw it list to port. Does it list tied up to the pier, or does it sit even?

 

[etracer68]

Re: How much listing is normal w/o trim?

I bet if you had a person move to the starboard side, the boat would have leveled out. If not, does it steer easy to the port, and a bit harder to the starboard? If thats the case, maybe the trim tab on motor needs adjustment.

 

[Glaspar_Fan]

Re: How much listing is normal w/o trim?

Partskenn - I didn't notice a list while at the dock. Good to know you had no listing to port on the same model, though that increases my concern that there could be outdrive damage or mounting issues.

Etracer - We didn't try shifting weight, but the problem was so pronounced I'm quite certain it would have made little difference where my brother was standing even though he does weigh 200#. It still would have been a good experiment and we should have tried it. The boat did pull, but due to the severe list. If by "trim tab on the motor" you mean the zinc skag, there isn't a tab on this zinc - it's just flat. It needs to be replaced though so one with a skag is on the shopping list.

Thank you both for your comments and suggestions,

John