Engine pulling issue

[Rusey93]

Hi

I have a quicksilver 380HD and a mariner 25hp two stroke combo, they are both in great condition and the boat absolutely flies.

However I have an issue with the engine pulling hard to one side. I have tried adjusting the little plate behind the prop to see if that solves it - nothing.

I was thinking about trying a new prop on it, but it's expensive to just 'try'

I was wondering if other people had the same issues, a day out on the water and my arm is dead!!

Hopefully someone can help!

[Last Tango]

You'll never get it to steer completely neutrally through the full rev range. Best you'll get is it pulling one way at low revs and the other at WOT. Then fine tune the trim tab to get it neutral at your normal cruising speed. If you're not getting near this the engine might not be properly centred on the transom or may not be trimmed properly but unless there is something grossly wrong with the prop I wouldn't expect that to be your problem.
Are you turning the trim tab in the right direction. Experiment with it at both extremes just to satisfy yourself.

[Rusey93]

Originally Posted by Last Tango

You'll never get it to steer completely neutrally through the full rev range. Best you'll get is it pulling one way at low revs and the other at WOT. Then fine tune the trim tab to get it neutral at your normal cruising speed. If you're not getting near this the engine might not be properly centred on the transom or may not be trimmed properly but unless there is something grossly wrong with the prop I wouldn't expect that to be your problem.
Are you turning the trim tab in the right direction. Experiment with it at both extremes just to satisfy yourself.

I took a socket set out on the water with me over the summer and tried to adjust it but it wasn't appearing to make any difference. I tried all the trim settings also and that didn't appear to make a difference either. If the steering is heavy does it need to be trimmed up or down?

[jeffstevens763@g]

i have a merc 365 same boat as yours just sorter on the tube. trim is set second hole up the Skeg is set facing port side at about 40degrees so the rear of the Skeg facing starboard on a Suzuki 25 4st she runs true at that but as tango has said running in a straight line pretty near impossible unless flat calm even then you will track a bit depending on you and how you hold the tiller, try loosening or tightening the slew screw see if that helps personally I like mine a tad stiff. Also check your keel make sure it's central and solid also engine dead centre if all fails you might have to move the engine to componsate.make sure weight distribution is correct too if heavy one side it will track.

Cheers

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Rusey93

If the steering is heavy does it need to be trimmed up or down?

Heavy steering and pulling to one side are classic symptoms of having the motor trimmed in too far. Try trimming up a notch at a time and see if you feel any difference.