I have a 16′ Smokercraft with a 50hp Yamaha on the back. When I am running at anything over half throttle it pulls so hard I have to do everything I can to hold it straight. Just wondering if you guys have any ideas for it to stop pulling.
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Tiller question
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May 3, 2010 at 5:13 pm #868810
Have you tried adjusting the torque tab located on the lower unit directly above the prop to counteract the pull? If not, this is the first place I would start.
May 3, 2010 at 5:17 pm #868812The pull is beacuse of the spin from the motor, do you have a little adjustable fin under the ventalation plate? It shouldnt be straight, it should be twisted slightly stbd or port depending on the roatation of the motor to counteract the right pull.
deertrackerPosts: 9253May 3, 2010 at 5:18 pm #868813My small boat pulls a little also. I keep forgetting to adjust it. If the tiller handle pulls to the port side, what way do you move the tab?
DTMay 3, 2010 at 5:22 pm #868816For reference, here’s a photo to point you in the right direction. The torque tab is held in place by one bolt. Loosen that bolt and adjust the tab so the rear of the tab points in the opposite direction of the pull you’re feeling on the motor. Make incremental adjustments until you get it where you want it. Obviously it will be easiest if you do this at the lake so you can test the results after each adjustment. It should clear up most if not all of the torque you’re getting back through the handle.
May 3, 2010 at 5:23 pm #868819I will have to give that a try. I never knew what that little tab was for. When I am running it, it wants to turn to the starboard side. What way should I adjust the tab. And how much do you think I should adjust it to start.
May 3, 2010 at 6:31 pm #868857You can try adjusting that little tab, but in my experience the trim of the motor causes the most pull left or right on a tiller. I have a 115 Yamaha tiller now and everyone talks about torque on the handle, but to be honest my 120 pound wife runs my 20′ Ranger in a side wind with one hand. All I have to do is adjust the trim for her and there’s zero torque on the handle. Just another thing for you to consider.
May 3, 2010 at 7:04 pm #868865X3 on the on the trim, my F75 does the same thing until I get er trimmed right. Good luck
May 3, 2010 at 7:34 pm #868877I’ve tried trimming it, doesn’t help much. And as soon as I lift the motor alittle I start bouncing like no other, even on water that is glass.
May 3, 2010 at 7:53 pm #868888It may help to:
– Distribute more weight (batteries, anchor, etc) to the front of the boat.
– Fill front live well with water
– Raise the motor a couple holes
– Add a hydrofoil
– Adjust the trim tabBeen there done that — these modification should make your boating much more enjoyable.
May 3, 2010 at 7:55 pm #868889I would definitely say give the trim tab a try. I’m trying to picture the pull vs. the adjustment. I would say if you drive left handed and the motor wants to pull away from you, then you would want to adjust the tab clockwise or to the starboard. If it pushes towards you, then do the opposite.
The trim tab adjustment helped on my 125 Merc tiller, but now with the F115 what little tourque there is disappears when I trim it up a hair.
May 3, 2010 at 8:18 pm #868896Quote:
I’ve tried trimming it, doesn’t help much. And as soon as I lift the motor alittle I start bouncing like no other, even on water that is glass.
When you first posted, I was going to ask if you had porpoising problems. From experience, there is nothing you can do to solve the performance problems on this boat. No matter how much money you throw at it! Sell it and move on!!
-J.
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