Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

[tmh]

19' open bow 200hp I/O. My boat seems very hard to keep straight under low throttle, as in no wake zones. Swings left, then right with minimal correction from me. Any ideas why or what I should be doing to help this situation? Sometimes the water is a bit shallow so i trim it out which makes this even worse i think.

Thanks.

 

[Drrockter]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

When the motor is up you do lose control. I have noticed the same on my Larson.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

You're experincing Bow Steer,.....
Or low speed Wander,........
Most V-hulls will do this a trolling speeds......

 

[tmh]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

Thanks. Mine seems quite bad "Bow Steer" as I now know it's called. I have a set of Smart Tabs on order which I am putting on to allow slower cruising speeds and a bit better acceleration from hole. Might they also help a bit with Bow Steer? ANy other things that can help? I'll keep the trim in when I can but often it's shallow water where the slow speeds are required so I have to trim out some.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

Smart Tabs will Definitely Help,.........

Just Getting Used to It is the Cure...........
Use Less Correction,.....Most of the time it'll Correct Itself.......

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

The tabs will help, I/Os are notorious for low speed handling issues. Once you get the tabs installed, it will just be a matter of practice; the tendency is to over-correct which just exacerbates the problem. Spend some time out of the way of boat traffic learning to gently correct your heading.

 

[tmh]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

Thanks much. I don't have the Smart Tabs yet, but went out this morning and spent some time getting used to it ..... trying NOT to oversteer. i got a lot better at it but still am looking forward to whatever the tabs can do to help.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Steering seems VERY loose when going slowly

The tabs will help alot! about cured that problem on my boat completely..