Steering Torque Advice

[hl&s]

I'd appreciate some advice about steering torque from you boat techs.

My boat wants to pull to the right when on plane. I have read that some boat/motor combinations are designed to do this so I may or may not have a problem.

The steering is free with no tight spots. The engine alignment looks true. The prop is not damaged. The trim tab is adjusted as far as it will go to compensate. The pull is annoying and increases with speed.

I have a 89 Cajun 16 ft, 89 Johnson 88 Spl. with SS 3 blade prop.

Thanks,

 

[BackOnTheWater]

I usually find that mine stops torquing to the right when I trim the engine up (150 Merc). It hits a "sweet spot" that seems to vary, but I believe it's the right trim/ RPM match.

If you have hydraulic trim, plane off and trim up until no pull on the wheel. If you don't, there should (might) be an adjustable "static" trim that you could move up or insert a pin trough the first hole to trim it a bit.

 

[fisherpal2k]

You can buy a small aluminum torque tab that mounts to the right side of the skeg for just a few dollars. It attaches with pop rivets and works wonders.  It will help with the steering torque and make sure that the trim tab on the back of the motor is turned the right way. I have seen some turned so far that they actually create torque.

 

[Bass Addict]

I agree on the torque tab. Installed one on my engine and man what a difference. Very easy to install also and not much money.

 

[fischnrod]

Some props also cause a difference in torque. I had a chopper prop that was really tough to hold onto,slung a blade,put on different prop, and now its like driving a different boat.emoCool emoIdea

 

[Liveliner]

The Fin above your prop may be adjusted to the opposite extreme. It is easy to turn it the wrong way. Not positive, but if your boat is pulling to the right, the fin should be shifted to the Left. Check and see which way you have it adjusted.

If you are running in that trim sweet spot and still getting steering torque, something needs to be done.

 

[minner]

I agree with what Liveliner said. Also you can experience torque if your motor is set too far below pad.

 

[hl&s]

Thanks for the replies.

It sounds like the torque tab is the way to go. I found one online and will order it soon.

I've tried trimming and it does lessen the pull but it's still pretty strong. I've adjusted the trim tab but it has little or no effect. The engine is still in the original factory installed position. I'm inclined to think it is in the design of the prop since it was replaced at one time with a SS, although it's in excellent shape.

Thanks again for all the help !

 

[BackOnTheWater]

A stainless prop bent my prop shaft. There was a real pretty SS on on it when I bought it, and I replaced it with the proper pitch aluminium. The SS is much heavier and can actually slow you down in both spinning up and while running. Your engine just might not be powerful enough to spin a heavy prop, and might cause a torque problem as well.

Or so I was told by a pro repairman.

 

[Bass Addict]

The weight of a prop is not the cause, the weight has nothing to do with rotation. A stainless prop doesent have as much flex as an aluminum prop and doesent loose pitch under a load were as a aluminum prop will. A ss. prop is not out for damage if you hit a small stick or trash in the water and it will bend a aluminum prop.

 

[Bass Addict]

What RPM's are you turning. You might have to much pitch, that would cause alot of torque.

 

[hl&s]

BA,

I just installed a tach and will check the rpm's next time out. The boat has a fair hole shot for a 90hp and the engine sounds about right at wide open. The tach should help diagnose any pitch problems.

Thanks,

 

[STEIN]

Good day yall,
I was having the same problem on my boat(96' Legend 160 with 1978 Mercury 1150). I had read somewhere that the trim tab/torque tab could be the cause of the steering torque. Went to Boaters World and bought a flat tab for $14.00. Put it on in about 2 min and the handling difference was unbelievable, like from driving a bulldozer to driving a fine tuned sports car. I used to have to hold the wheel so hard to the left it would make my arms ache, now when i get on plane with the motor trimmed up properly i can let go of the wheel and she just keeps right on flying straight. I really couldnt believe the difference, and I still cant believe it only cost $14.00.
I hope this info helps, I'm sure there is a comparable part available for your Johnson. By the way yall, not trying to undermine any of the other good advice, I just wanted to pass on what I have experienced.emoGeezer