steering torque

[freyedknot]

i have a 16.5 aluminum lowe with a 40 hp tiller. i am getting a lot of torque, the boat wants to go to the right. my trim tab is on #1. which way should i move it or to what # may be better. i also have power t&t. thanx in advance.

[REW]

Rule of thumb - if you are torquing to the right - move the tab to the right.

Bottom line - move it all of the way to one direction - test. If it is better great -- otherwise move it all the way to the opposite direction - test -

Then, if you find that the torque changes direction - move it a bit in the direction that makes the difference.

Take a deep socket with the expected 3/8" socket - on a ratchet, and you can easily make quick adjustments until you get it dialed in.

You will find that - as you change your load in the boat - the torque will change.

Also - as you change your boat speed - the torque will change.

Also - if you change your trim setting - power trim, with the click of a button, manual trim - with a pin change -- the torque will change.

Find an average that you can live with -- i.e. average trim setting if you have manual trim setting, average - boat load - if you load your boat differently from time to time, and most importantly - choose a boat speed - where you wish to dial out the torque. Most folks select a boat cruise speed for the later. i.e. nearly all boats will - even with everything else evened out -- will have a torque change as a function of boat speed. So choose the boat speed that you want to live with - for most of the time, and adjust the trim tabs for 0 torque under that specific condition.

It is for this precise reason, that for owners of larger boat/motor combos - often opt for hydralic steering. With Hydralic steering, torque is completely isolated from the drivers steering wheel.

Take care
REW

[freyedknot]

thanks for the quick reply. i will have to experiment with it. the torque right now is very strong above 20 mph. thanks again

[Airwave(OH)]

Most generally when your at the back of the boat looking forward,you will turn your trim tab clockwise. So it has some offset to the left but you may have to play with it till you get it dialed in.