fslm questions... tracking? top speed?

[SC FLSM]

I just bought my first boat. a 1995 Tige 2002 FSLM. I have never really driven an inboard before, and had some questions.
Last night my wife and I were out on the boat. I was driving and she was on the rear facing seat beside me. If I let go of the wheel the boat would cut really hard to the right. I am about 200lbs, she is about 130. Is this normal at all? The wind was not too bad, and it cuts that way any direction I go.
Also, I thought inboards were supposed to steer a little easier. Should you have to fight the wheel at all?
One more.... I know this is not a speed boat, but does 40mph sound right for a top speed? It is fine with me, but I am just curious.
Thanks to anyone who can help.

[CP3]

I do not know anything about your boat, But I do know this. That the rudders are "torqued" to the right. Meaning it gives you something to push against to keep you straight. That being said. It should not turn hard to the right. It should gently turn if at all. Hope this helps some.

[SC FLSM]

Ok... is there a rudder alignment I need to do maybe?

[Matt Garcia]

There is a great article in Water Ski magazine about this exact issue and how you can modify your rudder. I think it is this months issue.

Anyway this is normal, if you do a search there are multiple threads on this. Also from my understanding his is a normal issue.

[CP3]

Dude SC,
I just realized you were in SC. I just moved from aiken last year and am moving back to charleston this summer. Vegas sucks. I am planing on making plenty of trips to Marion with my Tige. Where do you ride at?

[SC FLSM]

thanks a lot for the help. I will check out the article and the other threads right away.
I just got the boat, and just moved to SC last summer. I live about 5 miles from Lake Murray, which is my main destination on the boat. I might try Marion if I had some other Tiges to show me around the lake. I heard there were a lot of stumps and snags in that lake though. Murray is pretty clean and deep. We'll have to get ahold of one another when you get moved back in.
Thanks again for the advice to both of you.

[CP3]

Looks like I will be back in SC by June 12.

[SC FLSM]

cool man. lakes are warming up. lake murray is at 70 degrees today, but is still down 9 feet from the winter. I have been out about three times now, but havn't gotten in the water yet.
you can save my email address (lonestarroy@yahoo.com) and send me a message when you get settled in and ready to go.

[Tige M.D.]

The rudder pull is perfectly normal, in fact it is needed, don't mess with it.
Your top speed should be around 40-44mph depending on whether you have TAPS or not.

[CP3]

Hard Right

So going along at relatively fast speed the boat should make a hard turn to starboard? I have had that happen with an outboard but not our 22V.

[SC FLSM]

since I have been back out on the lake several times I have not noticed it pulling as much, and can actually let go of the wheel for a few seconds to adjust before the boat gets off track to much. It isn't as hard of a fight as it seemed to be on it's maiden voyage. Everything is going well with the boat, I am getting used to backing it and docking it and all.
Thanks again for the advice.

[tobo57]

I would say if you let go of the wheel and it starts to vear to right is normal,if you have to fight the steering to keep it in line is not normal.
Rudder can be trimed to run strait.How to trim it and how much ?

[Tip]

I was told the pull to the right is called "positive loading" and is designed to be that way. When the rudder has a slight pull it makes it easier to keep the boat on a straight track because it elliminates the woble in the center.

My boat does not pull excessively, but if I let go of the wheel doing 30 mph it will make a sharp right turn.

[chpthril]

SC FLSM,

Tried to send you a PM about the NC/South East Tige Owners Reunion I am putting together. Here is a link, check it out and post a reply if you would be interrested.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3017

[dogbert]

Post a picture of your boat!