Drifting Steering

[Joeprunc]

I did a search, but didn't find anything regarding this. I'm new to inboards as some of you might know.

When I'm driving my boat (at all speeds) it pulls to the right. I am assuming this is just because of the rotation of the prop, the flow hitting the rutter, and due to the rutter being offset to the right. Is this normal or should it be tracking straight? Also why is the rutter offset...I'm assuming to help offset the prop rotation?

Sorry for such a stupid questions, but just thought I would ask.

[Jason B]

Mine pulls to the left

[dogbert]

Your rudder should not be offset. It's possible your strut is bent. It should line up with the center of your rudder.

[Joeprunc]

It doesn't appear to be bent, there are no vibrations while in gear.

[da.bell]

Could the engine be out of alignment causing the prop shaft to be out of alignment?

[Joeprunc]

I measured from a the port side wing to center of the rutter 32.5". And from the same wing on the starboard side to the center of the rutter 30.5".
It doesn't look like there has been any sort of repairs made to the hull or drive train either.

Here's a shot of it...I tried to line up the shaft with the V portion of the hull.

[Joeprunc]

Its a used boat so anything could be possible...how could I check to see if the motor has shifted? The motor mounts appear to be in great condition.

[da.bell]

Well, you definitely found out why your boat is powering to the right

How well do you know the former owners? Could you still ask them questions about the boat?

[jchurch6713]

The rudder should be offset and it is exactly the same on my 01 21i. It counteracts the pull due to prop rotation. Is it possible that the steering cable has been replaced and was not properly realigned so that a straight rudder does not exactly correspond to the steering wheel being centered?

[Joeprunc]

Hmmm...as I remember the steering wheel is straight when going straight. But if you take your hands off the wheel it begins to track to the right. With that said it must be an alignment problem between the prop and rutter.

Well I'm off for an early weekend. If anyone else has any other insight please let me know...I'll be back Sunday night.

[jwanck11]

What about weight distribution in your boat. If there is a considerable amount on the right side constantly, your boat will pull to the right.

[bsj04]

i have pretty much the same boat and it is offset like that. i have herd it is for ease of shaft removal and also it sould pull a little so there is not any slack in the steering so when your skier is going from side to side your boat should stay straight since the boat is pulling one way and you pull the other on the wheel it keeps you straight. i have herd about using a file on the trailing edge to change amount of pull.

[zad0030]

I have seen that on some other boats. I know Supras are like that. When I checked my Malibu it lined up straight. I guess it just depends on the boat.

[TeamAllen]

Here is an old thread on the subject.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...t=grind+rudder

[zad0030]

Hmmm...as I remember the steering wheel is straight when going straight. But if you take your hands off the wheel it begins to track to the right. With that said it must be an alignment problem between the prop and rutter.

Well I'm off for an early weekend. If anyone else has any other insight please let me know...I'll be back Sunday night.

All boats have a pull to the right. This is known as a loaded rudder. Nautiques, which have right hand rotation props will pull left.

In order to correct this and you need to grind off on side of your rudder. Which is not recommended as its not revesable.

The idea is that when the rudder is loaded it tracks straight. If you rudder is nuetral there is some play in the steering and the boat loses some responsiveness. Slalom boats are all loaded as it helps the boat track straight through the course.

As far as the rudder being offset it just depends on the type of boat. Some companies do it and I think some dont.