Trim tab set but boat still pulls right

[Pri123]

 

I have an Osprey 175 with a 90 hp Johnson 2-stroke.  My trim tab is set all the way to left and the boat still pulls to the right.  Its better than before (when trim tab was in center) but I am not sure how to fix this.  I have tested the trim tab on both sides and I know I have set it to the correct side.

Any ideas?

[fitz73222]

Hi Phil,
The typical course of adjustment for a trim tab is to rotate it TOWARDS the direction the engine is pulling. I know it seems counterintuitive but that is the way to adjust it.  So if the engine is pulling to starboard, then the rear of the trim tab should be adjusted towards starboard. In many cases, adjusting your trim angle will offset 80% of your helm torque. Typically tucking the engine all the way in will cause it to pull to port, trimming out past vertical will change the torque to the right. Try to find the correct trim angle where you get neutral torque at the helm at your normal cruise rpm with the trim tab straight. Then once you find that sweet spot, adjust the trim tab slightly towards which way the helm is pulling if you can't completely get rid of the wheel pull using the trim.

[Pri123]

Thanks for this...I checked it just a few minues ago and I had actually moved it all the way to the right (not left..my mistake!) which helped a lot.  However it still pulls right.

I usually have my engine all the way down...so you are saying that as I trim the engine up I should be getting rid of the pull to the right.

If so, I will try this.

Thanks.

[fitz73222]

Phil,
That's what I'm saying. Trim the engine all the way down till it stops, get the boat on plane and run it at your normal cruise speed then start making small adjustments with the trim going up until you feel the steering wheel start to loosen up, you'll actually feel the torque start to let up and the bow will start to rise and your RPM's will start to increase because you are reducing the wetted surface of the hull. That's your sweet spot. After a while of practicing, it will start to become intuitive. But as I said, I would do this with trim tab running straight ahead. You are probably running an old style steering cable that were more sensitive to steering torque. Your best bet to completely eliminate it is to consider a new style NFB (no feed back) helm and cable at some point and the difference will be night and day. Go try it, you'll like it! Let us know your results.

[boatnamesue]

I also experience a pull to starboard, even with the trim anode rotated to starboard.  And I too have the older style cable steering for my '98 115 2 stroke.  However, despite what you might read or hear, you'll always have a small bit of starboard walk with a single engine right rotation prop, I don't care what people say.  If you overcompensate the anode rotation to starboard then you'll just get the opposite result...a pull to port.  Also, remember that depending on the size of your vessel weight distribution has an effect on hull performance.  If you continue to experience the starboard pull despite your corrections then try shifting weight around the boat.