Steering Problem

[bkp123]

I have a 1997 21.5 bayliner capri with 6 cyl. 190 h.p. mercruiser. Not sure if this is a prob. issue but lately when making a semi-sharp, not really even that sharp of a turn and not going fast at all, the boat seems like it's going to flip over while everything else being normal - i.e., proper weight distribution of people, etc. It goes way up on the side where you are turning towards and feels like it could flip if you turn any harder. The boat hasn't always done this and my wife thinks it's because of the s.s. prop. we put on - it has a 19 degree pitch.

I'm not a mechanic and don't know much about this stuff but definitely know that something is wrong when making turns. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[junior1113]

Re: Steering Problem

when you turn either way? if you turn to hard at plane speeds i would have to say you could flip any boat. more than likely not prop for the heck of it whats wot rpm and speed?

 

[bkp123]

Re: Steering Problem

Thanks for the reply. No, not going fast at all, def. not at plane speed.....maybe 10-12 mph, can't remember what the RPM's read though. I believe it leans a lot while turning in either direction.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Steering Problem

Most boats will lean if they are squating and not planing. Prop torque might cause more lean in a left turn.Is there excess water in the bilge?
Does the boat seem more low in the stern than normal when at rest?
Trim can affect handling.Sometimes the foam under the floor will absorb water over time and make the boat handle strangely.Plane slowly.

 

[bkp123]

Re: Steering Problem

thank you. No water in the bilge, not sure about the foam. This happened again the 1st time on the lake this year and it was dry stored all winter,. I noticed it last year too though and not sure if the foam under the floor has absorbed water.

My wife did advise that it leans more during a left turn and you mentioned prop. torque as a possible cause of this. Is there a fix for this - new or different prop., etc?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Steering Problem

Have you tried different trim setting.
If the boat has a history of being stored properly only occasionally having excess water in the bilge the foam is probably dry.
If it is wet the only way to dry is to replace it.
If you have wet foam the boat will be really slow to plane and will squat at rest.It may be difficult to stay on plane at reduced speeds and settle heavily at the stern as you slow.
Unfortunately I/Os tend to do these these things but to a lesser degree.
Trim tabs may help.