Tiller question

  • G-raff
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 154
    #1267448

    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.

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #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.

    hoistafish1
    Long Prairie,MN
    Posts: 402
    #868812

    The 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.

    deertracker
    Posts: 9253
    #868813

    My 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?
    DT

    hoistafish1
    Long Prairie,MN
    Posts: 402
    #868814

    James is faster! lol

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #868816

    For 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.

    G-raff
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 154
    #868819

    I 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.

    Joe Scegura
    Alexandria MN
    Posts: 2758
    #868857

    You 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.

    Craig Matter
    Hager City,Wi
    Posts: 556
    #868862

    X2 trim has a lot to do with it also

    rangerski
    North Metro
    Posts: 539
    #868865

    X3 on the on the trim, my F75 does the same thing until I get er trimmed right. Good luck

    G-raff
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 154
    #868877

    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.

    Dave G
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 631
    #868888

    It 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 tab

    Been there done that — these modification should make your boating much more enjoyable.

    Fife
    Ramsey, MN
    Posts: 4054
    #868889

    I 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.

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    #868896

    Quote:


    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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