pulling to the right

[tykim717]

my 96 mercury force 120hp pulls hard to the right as i increase speed. i can feel it any time i go over about 10mph. i've read the adjusting the trim tab above the prop may help. i've read many solutions.....turn it to the side it's pulling...adjust the trailing edge to the side of the pull. my boat seems to be trimmed ok left and right so i dont think that's a problem.

what do you guys think?

i've also read that adjusting the zinc anode can help also....

[phishy]

first thing that comes to mind is to adjust that zinc...next....stupid question...do you have alot of wieght on that side?..how about the seas...could that be affecting things? probably not i assume..
When running on my boat..same size and close to the same hull, any slight movement screws up my trim..i usually just yell at my crew to stay put..it works till one day i get thrown overboard..my absolute favorite is a fish is on..everyone runs to that side of the boat..almost tipping it..and then the water comes in on the scuppers..flooding the bilge..

Tho..try the zinc..adjust it and go for a run.

[Carnivore]

Are you talking about the whole boat wants to turn harder as you increase power or that the steering wheel pulls harder??

If it is the steering wheel then question how easy is the motor to turn by hand if you were to stand behind the boat (out of water) and push it from side to side. Reason is the motor should be torquing that way as the prop turns and you may need to (if it has it) tighten any cradle adjustments to keep the motor from turning naturally. One other thing it could be the motor cradle is broken allowing the motor to turn as you increase power or the pinion shaft is loose in the housing allowing it to pivot the motor and that too can allow the boat to false turn.

If it is just the boat turning some of the things above could allow it but I am wondering where you were it could be heavy current or like Phishy said heavy waves etc...

Not being mean just need to know sense I don't know your level of expertise have you owned or run a boat before. They can act funny some times and seem like they are doing things they are not. If you have years of experience then you all ready know that.

[Hot Reels]

I had the same problem with my ski boat...It was as simple as adjusting the zink above the prop...Try the easy stuff first...

[tykim717]

this is my first boat. very little experience.

but, as i increase speed (many different locations, wave/current conditions) the boat along with the steering wheel turns to the right. if i let my hands go, the wheel will turn and turn and thus the boat also turns to the right.

as far as how easy it is to turn the outboard, i'm not sure. i'll give it a shot tomorrow.

[beacondawg]

Tom if after trying everything the guys suggest and your still having problems with it pulling to the right, may i suggest you take my mother-in -law with you on you outings and just position her fat ass on the left side of your boat. This should compinsate any pulling to the right. just my soulition to your problem.

[tykim717]

Originally Posted by beacondawg

Tom if after trying everything the guys suggest and your still having problems with it pulling to the right, may i suggest you take my mother-in -law with you on you outings and just position her fat ass on the left side of your boat. This should compinsate any pulling to the right. just my soulition to your problem.

will do but i think she needs to sit on the right side!

[wils]

Originally Posted by tykim717

will do but i think she needs to sit on the right side!

put her on the bow, you'll plane faster.

But back to the zinc-fin on the outboard: turn it about 1/8" at a time to the right (clockwise from the top view)...maybe 1:30 position maximum. If there is no change in the problem, move it back and look someplace else.

Some boats come from the factory with a hook in their keels.....