Mastercraft boat owners (esp. new X-2 and older X-Star)

ditchdoc7

Got a quick question. Is it normal for the rutter to be off-set to the left of the prop on Mastercraft boats? The drain plug, prop and prop shaft are all inline, but the rutter is about an inch and half to the left. The reason I ask is that the boat turns easily to the right and very difficult to the left while in motion. When we are sitting still, the steering wheel turns easy in both directions. Was wondering if anyone else is having this problem.

Thanks

gvw686 · Addict Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 664 City: Columbus

not sure but why wouldnt you just turn to the right more often?

oshensurfer · Posted: Oct 13, 2003 10:14 am Post subject:

Here's what I was told. It's normal to have an offset and your discribing a normal issue with an inboard. The offset side depends on the spin of the prop. It's set up this way so that you don't have to hold the steering wheel from spinning as much and thus the boat turning (too much) without you wanting it too while in motion. The pressure you feel in turning while the boat is in motion is the water coming off the propeller and hitting the side of the rudder thus causing a little resistance in your turning the steering wheel. Someone correct me if I'm out to lunch. My boat is set up this way also.

Mr. Mutt · Posted: Oct 13, 2003 10:28 am Post subject: Rudder misalignment?

Not sure, but here's a shot of my '99 X-star...

SuprAir · Outlaw Joined: 10 Jul 2003 Posts: 180 City: Columbus

I'm fairly certain Mastercraft offsets the rudder in order to necessitate easier removal of the propeller. However, as mentioned above the prop spin direction does make it turn easier/tighter in one direction than the other. Offset of the rudder has little to no effect on turning.

holdsworth · Posted: Oct 13, 2003 2:09 pm Post subject:

i haven't noticed a thing for turning with our x-7 Confused

mossy44 · Criminal Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 87 City: Memphis, TN

i put a new acme prop on my '02 xstar. i didnt really notice it before, but now, if i let go of the steering wheel, it turns SHARP to the right. is this because of the prop? or did i just not notice it before i changed props?

tommyadrian5 · Addict Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 907

there is a dead zone directly behind the propeller, it is due to the shaft and strut and physics of the prop. If the rudder was directly behind the propeller the boat would drift from right to left and require constant input to stay straight(getting the rudder out of this zone), offsetting it slightly causes it to "bite" all the time and actively keep the boat straight.

holdsworth · Posted: Oct 14, 2003 2:43 pm Post subject:

once in a while when we are going straight, i let go of the wheel and it kind of turns to the left, same thing with our old 93 prostar, always to the left

snyper1d · Outlaw Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 117

The main reasons is for easy prop and shaft removal. If the rudder was directly behind the strut, it would be impossable to remove the shaft. and it makes it a hell of alot easier to remove the prop and prop nut.

eos · Newbie Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 2

What direction does your boat pull to when in reverse? My friend bought a 03-X2, and the boat drove like a total barge and pulled to the left when in reverse. When he talked to his dealer about his boat and the way it turned they had him bring it down and changed the prop rotation (and prop)... it now pulls to the right in reverse (the way it was designed) and turns 100% better.

lanceuga33 · Outlaw Joined: 16 Oct 2003 Posts: 143 City: McDonough

My Centurion Hurricane is the same way. I think EOS is correct. It has something to do with the way your boat backs in reverse. My boat backs to the right and my rudder is left offset. I also heard that it helps keep your steering loaded to give the driver quick steering response.

P hat in Cincy · Posted: Oct 16, 2003 4:21 pm Post subject:

My X10 turned more difficult in one direction until I lubed the steering system. Find the rudder zirk (spelling?) fittings in the engine compartment and top them off. Helped things a lot for me.