Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

[hunt2labs]

1972 Stuery V518, 155horse OMC Electric Stringer.

Finally getting this boat up to the point I can take it out on big water and get back to port.

When I plane out the boat really pulls to starboard. If I were to let go of the steering wheel, it probably would spin all the way to the right and toss us all out of the boat.

That said, the "new" outdrive that was installed recently, a previous owner had the skeg ground down several inches prior to my purchasing it.
(I am going to have a welder who rebuilds skegs, get it back to it's original length.)

It is my understanding that the skeg does not assist in steering-is that correct?

Do I need to readjust the exhaust vent on top of the prop?

Is is ok to operate with 3 inches off the skeg? I realize I need to operate in deep water or risk my prop.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

Need a little more information from ya', as in what type of steering you have: OMC had at least two styles of steering, the through hull push-rod type (what I got) and Tru-Course (can't see it from the outside of the boat). If you have the former style, there are a few things to look at. If you have the latter, I'd suspect your trim tab over the propeller first.

You are correct that the skeg's primary job is not to help steering (more to help guard the prop), but it winds up effect the steering some (just 'cause it's sticking in the water).

How stiff is the steering when the boat is on the trailer?

Welcome aboard!

 

[hunt2labs]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

I have the push rod style and its real easy to turn-maybe too easy.
If I adjust the trim tab, which way should I point it?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

on that drive, I think you'll have to re-aim the exhaust "chute" which acts also as a trim tab. If it's like a trim tab, Turn it to starboard, as wrong as that seems. Try small adjustments. OMC calls it a "rudder" so I'm not sure it functions the same as a trim tab but I think so.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

Do you have a tension knob on your helm? And, is it the original (had a heading dial on the steering wheel on many of 'em). Before I changed out my system, I was pretty loose 'cuz the rack itself was getting loosened up.

On my drive, there is a notch on the cavitation plate, and a gauge marks on the exhaust chute/rudder/tab (think I got all the options covered). Here's a shot of mine if it's a help.

 

[hunt2labs]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

Thanks Howard-I thought as much but wanted to be sure. Basically I am trying to counter the force of the prop stream, correct?
I wish I could tighten the whole system.

I forgot to mention that I have a steering rod connected to my kicker motor on the port side of the stern on a drop-down mount. The connection to the outdrive is secured to the mid housing unit with the bracket the last owner used.

As I now think about this further, I am pretty sure that even though the kicker is almost entirely out of the water when the main is running wide open, I am getting some drag from the kicker.
I would think that having a kicker dragging a little on the port side would cause the opposite effect-turning the boat to port. I would think the kicker would act as a rudder.

Time to test this without the kicker hooked up.
I'll run the trim tab (exhaust chute) to the right and see if it helps.

Thanks guys.

 

[hunt2labs]

Re: Steering pulls hard to starboard at speed.

Do you have a tension knob on your helm? And, is it the original (had a heading dial on the steering wheel on many of 'em). Before I changed out my system, I was pretty loose 'cuz the rack itself was getting loosened up.

On my drive, there is a notch on the cavitation plate, and a gauge marks on the exhaust chute/rudder/tab (think I got all the options covered). Here's a shot of mine if it's a help.

Thanks for the help.
Yup, that's my outdrive.

I'll check for a tensioner and I think I'll paint on or put an arrow sticker on the wheel. That would be most helpful.