Pulling to left

Jim89

Cadet
Joined
Aug 17, 2003
Messages
8
I have a 89 16 ft. Galaxy IB/OB. My problem is, it pulls hard to the left. With the motor trimed down and you take off the boat almost dives to the left. Enough so, it is almost uncorrectable. I have to trim it up immediately to get it somewhat corrected, but still pulls to the left. The lower end has been drug on the road and is an inch or so shorter than it should be but seems to be straight. Also the steering is very stiff. Not so bad when sitting still but when the boat is moving it is very hard to turn. I don't think it is a balance problem. The gas tank is on the left but with myself at 190 lbs. and my friend at 300 lbs. on the right side of the boat it should be enough weight to compensate for fuel or equipment. With us both on the right side of the boat it still wants to pull to the left. Not as bad but still pulls.I did adjust the trim tab on the lower end which seemed to help some but not much. This is the only trim device on the boat. The boat is fairly new to me so I don't know if the engine or outdrive have been removed in the past. I did remove the outdrive and replace the gimble bearing but it was pulling prior to me removing it, and still is after reinstalling it. I know this is long but I have tried to narrow down some of the possibiliteis.<br />Any help will be appreciated.
 

Northern Eclipse

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
665
Re: Pulling to left

have you noticed if the boat is listing to one side when standing still in the water?? Also you state that the steering gets stiff when at speed, do you have power steering? If not try trimming the drive out a bit at a time, If you feel steering wheel losen up, you are trimmed correctly, it may also be possible that the pulling to the left will weaken also when trimmed. If boat still pulls, then look down bottom of boat when on trailer, look for any hooks in the hull, they appear as an arc in the bottom or rocker will appear has a bulge. Look at sterndrive also and wiggle it side to side and up/down should be tight no play in any direction. Can you give details to what engine/ drive package you have as well a prop pitch and dia. might be able to give you more help. also what are max rpms amd speed a WOT.
 

CCrew

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 10, 2003
Messages
416
Re: Pulling to left

Also make sure the transom isn't soft and flexing under load....
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: Pulling to left

Do you have a hydrofoil on it? Mine was mounted a little off center and caused the same thing.
 
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