Boat handling, hooking to left...looking for tips from seasoned guys

[rgsauger]

I've got a Shadow mod v bass boat with 200 merc on back. 12" setback, nose cone, about 3/4" above pad, seastar pro. Need to add solid mounts which will happen asap.

I've had it to 76 mph GPS. Motor definitely moves around and I'm sure solid mounts will help. Fun boat and I rebuilt it myself. I'm learning it, having fun. Still learning. Boat is usually pretty predictable. Not much tendency to chine walk. Boat has more in it but I'm not ready yet.

But here's the part that sucks. I've had it hook to the left on me several times. I'm almost certain that the first few times were from me over trimming so I am a lot more attuned to that now and sneak up on the trim slowly. This past weekend, I had it hook on me when I got out of the throttle relatively quickly. I was running 60 or so and got out of it pretty quickly and it started into a progressively tighter left hook. I started trimming down when it started happening. As speed shaved down, I turned into the left turn and basically wrapped it in a 360 degree circle and kept on my way.

No traffic near me and plenty of space so not a problem in the grand scheme but I really want to understand what conditions cause this hook and how to avoid it.

Can you guys please shed some light on this and on fast boat handling in general? I'm open to all input. Solid mounts are in the works.

Thanks

Rob

[Frank Molé]

I would lower the motor a half inch to start...

[rgsauger]

Thanks Frank. I had it lower and it actually seems better higher. Several guys with my setup run it at 1.5" above. It would hook from over trim even when 2" lower.

[Merc 2.5]

Mine does it when to low , I raise my plate and wala. Raise to 1in

[transomstand]

Few boats run perfectly straight. They all crab at least a little. When the bow is up high and flying all is peachy. Chop the throttle or over trim and have the prop lose bow lift, the bow will drop and dig in toward the direction it's crabbing.

You do need solid mounts. You want everything as stiff and solid as you can get it in your engine and steering. It won't cure it but will make it more predictable. I'd be looking to a prop that "holds" the bow better so it won't drop so suddenly and require less laundering of underwear. A little added cup to the prop tips might be all it needs.

You also need to train yourself to remove any violent driving habits (but you're already figuring that out). Roll out of the throttle easy and be less enthusiastic with the trim button. It's like flying an airplane. Pilots will tell you that a long gradual descent is far more preferable on landing then a sudden steep impact with the ground

[Dave Strong]

1st thing for sure solid mounts, then if still an issue you need to make one change at a time. This way you see what helps or hinders the handling of the boat. Sounds like you may be having to trim to high to get it to fly, so as the Heathen stated different or modifying your prop might help. If your rooster tail is higher than the engine cowl your needing to trim too much.

Dave

[rgsauger]

Few boats run perfectly straight. They all crab at least a little. When the bow is up high and flying all is peachy. Chop the throttle or over trim and have the prop lose bow lift, the bow will drop and dig in toward the direction it's crabbing.

Damn...I think you described it perfectly. It's almost like...you've done this before or something...

[rgsauger]

Sounds like you may be having to trim to high to get it to fly, so as the Heathen stated different or modifying your prop might help. If your rooster tail is higher than the engine cowl your needing to trim too much.

Dave

I'll check my rooster tail but I think you're right. I am running a 4 blade hydromotive right now and have another 4-blade that has a LOT of cup I can try, too. It really didn't like 3-blades much. I'll get the solid mounts in and do what you said...one change at a time. And I know that (damnit!)...but gotta be reminded sometimes... lol

[rgsauger]

Mine does it when to low , I raise my plate and wala. Raise to 1in

I'm maxed on my plate and holes in the motor so will have to fabricate a 1" vertical extension. Heck, might go 2" then I can drop my plate down and have some adjustment.

It seemed to be worse when it was lower...

[CUDA]

With 12 inches of set back you can go higher, solid mounts.

Is steering tight, air in line?

[Thunderduck]

Are you running a torque tab skeg ??? If not, it's the gear case that's crabbing, not the boat.

[rgsauger]

No torque tab and the skeg "may" be a little bent...oops...

[rgsauger]

Is steering tight, air in line?

I think it's pretty tight but would be a good idea to bleed it a bit to be sure. The only real "slack" I feel is mechanical (I think) when I go from "loaded" in one direction on the steering wheel to the other direction - then just a small "loose" spot in the middle...just a tiny bit

[Merc 2.5]

No torque tab and the skeg "may" be a little bent...oops...

Get that tab on skeg

[roadkill636]

Post some pics of the motor from top to bottom