boat pulls to the right

MaddogMoney · Newbie Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 41 City: Dallas

I've got a 1988 Sierra Supreme (20' inboard w/Chrysler 360 - 280hp). This boat has been in my family since my dad bought it new in 1989.

After taking the boat out for the first run of the season in May, I discovered that the stringers were rotten. I took it to a highly recommended fiberglass shop in the area and had the stringers and transom replaced.

Between work, school, and family (and needing to replace the battery and alternator), I didn't get the boat back on the water until October. Of course, the first thing I did was hit something in the water and bend the drive shaft and prop, and break the strut out of the bottom of the boat. I hadn't even gotten her over 20 mph when this happened.

Back to the fiberglass shop to have the shaft replaced, the prop reworked, and the fiberglass repaired (thanks Progressive).

Now that I have the boat back, the faster I go, the harder I have to turn against the boat. The boat really wants to go right...the faster I go, the more right it wants to go. I almost feel like I have to wrestle with it. In the past, you definitely didn't want to take your hand off the wheel at 40 mph, but now you have to have both hands on the wheel at anything over 25.

Anyone else have any experiences like this? Is this normal? Should it be like this?

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks.

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

that does not sound normal. Did you check the skegs? one could be bent slightly?

snowboardcorey · Posted: Dec 12, 2005 11:02 am Post subject:

Sounds like you damaged the rudder during your crash. Have it checked out, it may be as simple as getting it filed a bit or it may need to be replaced.

MaddogMoney · Newbie Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 41 City: Dallas

I looked at the tracking fins (I assume this is what you were referring to when you said skegs) and didn't see any damage. However, I haven't checked them with a straight edge or anything.

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

Chances are the rudder is not 90 degrees from the hull, but off just a bit. The glass job may have also affected the "hook" in the aft hull. The lower pitch prop will do exactly as expected.

I would bet on the slightly bent rudder. The speed sensitive nature is typical of a bent rudder. I suggest a new replacment and that should correct the problem. Typically, you want a little steering bias to either the right or left (personal preferance, but typically right) so it is easier to keep a straight line with a rider swinging.

Brit Rider · Posted: Dec 13, 2005 5:49 am Post subject:

boarditup, Seconded,

But IMO you should be able to have the rudder re-worked a lot cheaper if its not to far past saving... Go to a trusted place.

Just my 2 cents

MaddogMoney · Newbie Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 41 City: Dallas

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

Very typical of the rudder being off (canted to one side). The "bushing" that "holds" the rudder shaft may be off and the rudder may be true as well. It may be that the rebar was caught by the prop and jammed against the rudder - bending the shaft or the "bushing."

Get a large angle duplicator and check it against both sides of the rudder against the boat hull. It should be equal. Even 2-3 degrees off will do what you are describing.

MaddogMoney · Newbie Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 41 City: Dallas

KristianB · Posted: Dec 27, 2005 3:22 pm Post subject:

And the verdict was????

/K