I have a 2072 prop tunnel sea ark that has some major steering torque. I am just tired of fighting it. when the motor is trimmed down ll the way, you can't hardly turn it. It takes some adjustments at speeds to get it to where you can turn it without tons of effort. Its just a 90 hp Optimax, but it doesn't have a trim unit. I was thinking about adding hydraulic steering or a trim unit to fix the problem. What do you guys reccomend? I thought adding a separate trim unit would be the best thing to do, since in July my wife and I run up in areas where it gets pretty shallow in spots. Thank you for your assistance.
Thoughts on adding trim unit to my prop tunnel sea ark
- Thread starter wetaline
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silvertalon
Well-known member
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- Oct 31, 2015
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Not too familiar with the hull you are running but as with any boat motor trim application, the idea is to raise the hull for less drag and more performance (hence less steering torque), . I'd look into a CMC combination trim and tilt/ set back plate. Their PT135 offers Trim and Tilt plus a generous 6" set back. While hard to find used, a new one can be had for under $600 if you shop around (ebay etc. ). Also, your motor may be too low on the transom. You might look into trying some spacer blocks , wedges, etc and raise the motor up one hole. But I can see running a boat at all without trim. Thats like a car with low front tires, lol.
jbh3
Well-known member
If I am understanding your description you're saying this engine doesn't have power trim/tilt from the factory?? In addition to the suggestions above, you can look into adding a device called a "torque tab" to the skeg of your engine to combat the steering torque. Hydraulic steering is a great option as is a hydraulic jack plate which will enable you to raise the engine when you need to from the helm and gain setback. We are talking considerable $$, of course. Good idea to get a water pressure gauge installed if you don't have one when you consider raising the engine.
richg99
Well-known member
Just a thought....any chance that your trim tab needs adjustment? I'd certainly start there first.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gkaBQmsibE
I've owned a CMC Hydraulic Tilt and trim unit in the past. Good quality stuff, but pricey. It didn't raise my engine vertically, though, like a hydraulic jackplate does. It did tilt the engine, and, of course, provided the set-back. The set-back allowed me to raise my engine a few inches, which I needed for fishing the saltwater flats in Texas.
regards, richg99
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gkaBQmsibE
I've owned a CMC Hydraulic Tilt and trim unit in the past. Good quality stuff, but pricey. It didn't raise my engine vertically, though, like a hydraulic jackplate does. It did tilt the engine, and, of course, provided the set-back. The set-back allowed me to raise my engine a few inches, which I needed for fishing the saltwater flats in Texas.
regards, richg99
I looked at the trim tab first and readjusted it. I believe the prop tunnel allows so much water pressure at full speed that when the motor is tilted down, you have to overcome it. I mean at full speed it is almost impossible to turn. When I bought the boat, it was real hard to turn, but I got it at a good deal. I pulled the powerhead and replaced the worn out steering shaft, which made it better, but didn't fix the problem.
richg99
Well-known member
I've owned a couple of tunnel hull boats. In both cases, the mechanic told me that I could put my motor one to two inches HIGHER than the TOP of the tunnel. I know little about whether that was good advice or not. But, I'd certainly keep investigating the answer to that issue.
IF you were to be able to raise the engine that much, it might solve some of the "the prop tunnel allows so much water pressure at full speed that when the motor is tilted down," issues.
richg99
IF you were to be able to raise the engine that much, it might solve some of the "the prop tunnel allows so much water pressure at full speed that when the motor is tilted down," issues.
richg99
Il try and take a picture tomorrow and post it for you. After reading what you said about the trim tab, I got to looking at the mounting holes and thought surely it ain't that easy. My wife's gonna kill me if I buy anything else for the boat this week. I just bought a helix 9 from Johnny at Djs marine. Thank you for all your help.
richg99
Well-known member
This picture is off of the G3 website.
