Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Boat leaning to the port side
Posted by mitchs on 07/04/06 - 10:13 AM
#1
i have a 1987 whaler outrage with a 1999 mercury 225 engine. my boat sits perfectly level when docked in the marina. however it appears to me to lean lower on the port side when the boat is underway. my wife says i'm crazy but i still think it leans. i had all the drains replaced last winter and have experienced no other issues with the boat, which otherwise runs very well. thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice. mitch
Posted by cdnwhaler on 07/04/06 - 10:30 AM
#2
Mitch,
You don't say what size of Whaler but with a 225 I'll assume it's an Outrage 22. I have a 1984 22 so we should be close. This leaning to the left is very common and if you have the Mills canvas up it could be even more pronounced depending on the direction you're travelling.
Some folks have suggested shifting passengers and gear but most agree this is difficult if you're carrying a lot of gear and have to move it around constantly.
The answer is trim tabs. Lenco or Bennett. I prefer Lenco and I have them on my Outrage 22. Another 22 owner of this vintage of whaler once told me it's the most performance enhancing addition to our boats you can do.
Peter
Edited by cdnwhaler on 07/04/06 - 10:31 AM
Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/04/06 - 4:37 PM
#3
mitchs,
One other thing to consider is if you have a transducer on the starboard side.
This will act as a trim tab forcing the starboard side up and the port side down.
Just a thought.
Posted by Tom W Clark on 07/07/06 - 4:15 PM
#4
Mitch,
Very common problem. The cause is propeller torque (probably) exacerbated by an improperly adjusted trim tab (on the motor, NOT the transom).
The trim tab on your motor (the little fin directly behind the propeller) should be adjusted so the trailing edge is a bit to starboard.
Posted by mitchs on 07/08/06 - 9:35 AM
#5
Thank you very much. Is that an adjustment that must be made when the boat is out of the water or can I do it in shallow water. Thanks for your advice. Mitch
Posted by timing on 07/11/06 - 8:21 PM
#6
I've experienced a similar list to port with my 1999 outrage 21.
And it worsens proportionally with a cross wind from port.
I installed a set of bennet trim tabs this spring (18x9) and they allow slight adjustments to make an outstanding riding hull even better in certain circumstances.
Greatest marked improvements:
1. The list mentioned above. Even adjusting for a slight list helps the ride & running attitude. All the more important in the strong cross winds, were the greater list has more negative impact on ride quality and spray. I just took the boat from Toms River to LBI last week for vacation, and the tabs had a major improvement when running down there against a sloppy south by southeast chop.
2. Even with tabs fully up, throttling up to plane off is improved. May help my situation greater because my 200hp outboard is what I consider minimal power for this heavy hull.
3. Tubing with the kids, especially newbies who need a slow tow, simply tab down and stay on plane at much lower rpms / speeds.
In summary – the tabs were definitely a worthwhile investment for me.