View Full Version : My boat leans
I bought a a 620 with a yamaha 225 four stroke and am having trouble with it leaning to the left. Once I get it trimmed out it levels off but when it is trimmed down it leans left and pulls to the left and I have to hold the steering wheel over or it take off to the left. IS my motor set to low? It is set in the 3rd hole from the top. There is room to move it upo one more hole. I am running a 21 pitch salt water series yamaha prop. With the hydralic steering I didn't think that I should be getting this much engine tourque (if that's what it is). It doesn't matter if my live wells are full or empty or any other weight distributions. It sets level in the water. Is it the motor height or prop? Any input would be helpful. Thanks.
Drift Sock
04-09-2004, 12:35 PM
With respect to the pull on the wheel: if trimming the boat solves the problem, I don't find that unusual. Most boats will pull one way or the other unless the motor is trimmed correctly.
With respect to the leaning problem, that is a little weird, but if trimming solves it, I'm not sure it's a probelm either.
I can't say whether or not raising the motor would help.
DS
T-Mac
04-09-2004, 01:01 PM
First of all....is this a 2004 Ranger 620 with a 25" transom? The 225 Yamaha four stroke is at least a 25" shaft engine. (they also can be purchased in a 30" shaft).
If you have a 225 four stroke on an older 620, you have a mismatch.
However, if the transom is correct...here are some things we have learned:
We run that engine on that boat all the way "up".
I agree, with hydraulic steering, you shouldn't be getting noticeable engine torque, unless something is wrong.
We do not run the Saltwater 21 on that package, it is a "mutt" with that prop.
Try a a Yamaha Pro Series 21 or a Mercury Tempest 21 and see if that takes care of it. Those two props are both "vented". Vented props can make an amazing difference, in some torque related situations.
Let us know what happens.
fishthrill1
04-09-2004, 04:27 PM
T- Mac. If you see this can you explain a little how the venting on a propeller works. I have a 4 blade trophy with vents on a 125 merc tiller.It wants to pull if not trimmed out right.Thanks Scott Hill
MIKIE
04-09-2004, 05:23 PM
NOBODY HAS MENTIONED THE TRIM TAB
Rapaleye
04-09-2004, 05:45 PM
It sounds like you are getting too much prop torque. Like the other post mentions I would adjust the torque tab first. All the way one way then all the way the other just to see if it makes any difference. If it does work a little with it on the side that makes a difference. If not I would look at the prop. I am not familiar with yours but excessive cupping can add a lot of torque until you get it trimmed up and most of the prop out of the water. If you don't need it I would go with the minimum cupping and explore if venting will help.
Good Luck.
Jim
T-Mac
04-10-2004, 12:21 PM
Scott...the way I understand it is... exhaust gases will take the easiest path of resistance, of course. At idle or initial acceleration, the back end of the propellor where exhaust comes out is restricted with the lake or seawater. With back pressure present, exhaust some gases push out the vents (if present)in front of the propellor blades, actually encouraging slippage, enabling the prop to turn more easily, because it is grabbing a mixture of air and water at this lower speed. As the boat itself speeds up, there is less back pressure on the rear of the exhaust hub, therefore more gases take route. At high speed the least resistance is out the back, the water deflecting around the prop actually creating a cavity (or vacuum) to enhance the exhaust exiting out the rear of the prop.
A side result can be, prop torque created by the friction of the blades passing through the water is lessened on acceleration because of the water being compromised by exhaust gases coming out the vents. (less torque twisting the boat counter clockwise...or, less "leaning" at acceleration).
At least that is how I understand it. But I am no engineer.
I have the same "leaning" to the port side problem with my Lund Tyee Grand Sport 1950 running a 200 hp Merc. A friend has suggested that I install either Bennett or Lenco trim tabs on the rear of the boat. Anyone have advice regarding the installation of trim tabs to solve my problem? Do you recommend Bennett (hydraulic) or Lenco (electrical)? Thanks for ideas!!
schrof
04-12-2004, 07:20 PM
jlj,
Post something to ETT, he put trim tabs on his 621 last year, not sure how they worked for him, but I'm sure he can steer you in the right direction.
Schrof,
Thanks for your suggestion. But....... I am new to this board and do not know how to "post" to a particular user. I am sure that ETT can offer sound guidance on whether or not I should try trim tabs to solve my leaning problem. Will you please describe how I can post to him? Thanks, again!!
jlj
The tabs shrof is talking about are at this site : http://www.nauticusinc.com/index_1024.html
They are self actuating. I installed them to help clean up the ride in a sloppy lake, because I fish Erie and it's always sloppy. They worked great and I don't hesitate to recommend them, but frankly it seems to me that you have an other issue that needs to be addressed.
Good luck and good fishing.
The tabs shrof is talking about are at this site : http://www.nauticusinc.com/index_1024.html
They are self actuating. I installed them to help clean up the ride in a sloppy lake, because I fish Erie and it's always sloppy. They worked great and I don't hesitate to recommend them, but frankly it seems to me that you have an other issue that needs to be addressed.
Good luck and good fishing.
katchi
04-14-2004, 08:47 AM
Cobra Hydrofoil fixed my problem!
katchi
04-14-2004, 08:47 AM
Cobra Hydrofoil fixed my problem!
If your kicker and your bow mount batteries are located on the same side of the boat that could also explain the leaning problem. you may want to split those up by moving the batteries to the other wet storage on the other side.
Depth Finder
04-14-2004, 09:43 PM
Several things mentioned here are definately relavant.
If the lean is on the drivers side and that's where the batteries are...move em'
If you don't have the torque tab moved to the extreme to compensate for the torque try that and see.
If you did all that and still have the problem look at your prop, it could be too severe a pitch for this combo.
Try porting the prop, don't do it yourself, the locations of the holes is critical..an inch off can screw up your prop.
As a last resort, move the motor up one more notch and it should cure the problem. Props too deep in the water can dig in and cause a drag til it is out of the water more.
"Fish like there's no tomorrow...there might not be"