How can I reduce Severe Prop Torque

[DJS]

Hi Folks

I am suffering severe prop torque (I assume) in essence all the boat wants to do is turn right! I can manage left turns with a fair bit of effort, but my good wife finds it near impossible.

I have checked the steering etc and disconnected the link form the outboard and all is free, it is on a Teleflex cable system (not sure how old the cable and helm are) and I have thought of replacing it with a ‘no feed back system’ or maybe even hydraulic; any advice and guidance is welcomed!!

Thanks
DJS

[JABS]

There will be a trim tab mounted vertically above the prop, probably an anode.

Move it over to the left a few degrees and try again!

I had exactly the same issue.

It is a bit of trial and error, but worth the effort.

[will_m]

Originally Posted by DJS

and I have thought of replacing it with a ‘no feed back system’ or ...

After many years of putting up with a regular cheapy steering head, on my Ribtec, first with a Honda 90 and subsequently now with a Yam 100..

I know exactly what your saying!!!!

Even with the trim fin/skeg whatever you call it adjusted fully over to counteract the torque-steer, the steering was rubbish. After a day out I’d have one shoulder aching like bas****.

So a couple of years back bunged on a NFB steering head. Why oh why I didn’t do this years ago!!!!!!!!!

Total transformation of the steering, light, will stay straight ahead, no pulling to the right what so ever.

NFB = Poor man’s power steering!!!!

For such an inexpensive bit of kit and an hour or so of your time to junk the current steering head and swap it for the NFB, you will wonder why you didn’t do it ages ago.

[Bigmuz7]

And be sure to use a kill cord, and check the operation of your kill switch because this type of torque has nasty consequences if you were to let go the helm

[9D280]

Originally Posted by JABS

There will be a trim tab mounted vertically above the prop, probably an anode.

It is an anode, and therefore will corrode - especially if your boat stays afloat for a good chunk of the year.

If you can, it's worth comparing it to a similar engine, as corrosion will reduce it's area and therefore reduce its effectiveness. I had a similar thing on a seconhand Yam 55. A new anode made a world of difference.

If that's the case, mark the underside of the cav plate with a pencil so you can put the new one back where the old one came from. (assumes of course it was set uip correctly in the first place.!)

[DJS]

Hi Folks thanks so far for all the advice so far and I have adjusted the trim tab in varying degrees to no avail, hence it sounds like a change of steering or steroids!

[9D280]

I have no idea of the history of your engine, but have a look along your skeg / cav plate "wings". They may not all be as straight as they came out the factory?

(Granted, unlikely if you've owned it since new & never hit anything!)


Also just as a sanity check, this does only happen at speed?

[JABS]

It may be worth looking at the offset?

Is the engine on the centreline of the boat?

Try and look at other identical ribs with similar engines.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by 9D280

It is an anode, and therefore will corrode - especially if your boat stays afloat for a good chunk of the year.

If you can, it's worth comparing it to a similar engine, as corrosion will reduce it's area and therefore reduce its effectiveness. I had a similar thing on a seconhand Yam 55. A new anode made a world of difference.

On my engine, the trim tab/anode seems to decay more by doing a swiss cheese imitation than by gradually getting smaller and shorter. Then again, I've adjusted mine all over and can't see that it does a hell of a lot with respect to prop torque anyway.

If that's the case, mark the underside of the cav plate with a pencil so you can put the new one back where the old one came from. (assumes of course it was set uip correctly in the first place.!)

Sharpie or a dab of paint would be better, assuming you've found the ideal setting.

I agree, with other posters, though: sounds like a No-Feedback helm is what the OP needs.

jky

[Searider]

Does the steering pull vary with trim angle?

Normally does such that at any particular speed you can adjust the trim to give neutral light ish steering.