steering pulls to the right

[sporty71]

My '04 sporty pulls to the right. The steering feels smooth at idle and easily turns rack to rack but as speed increases it pulls to the right. The faster you go the more it pulls. I have visually inspected the prop and rudder and do not see anything obvious. Anyone have any ideas or similar experience? thanks

[RTS]

Perfectly normal for your boat. The steering is 'loaded' to make it easier to steer through a course.

[sporty71]

Yeah the steering has always been "loaded" but it is so much now that a left turn at speed now takes some heavy hands. I would think that there is an adjustment somewhere to set the loading. Any suggestions? Thanks

[68Slalom]

Yeah the steering has always been "loaded" but it is so much now that a left turn at speed now takes some heavy hands. I would think that there is an adjustment somewhere to set the loading. Any suggestions? Thanks

Have you looked at your rudder for an adjustment tab?

[Woodski]

Your comments imply that the torque steer has been acceptable at some point with the rudder configuration currently on the boat. If that is the case, I would suggest determining what component has worn, thus increasing the steering effort. Two options, the steering cable itself or the rudder. If the rudder components wear, the rudder can require more effort to turn as the speed increases and cocking the rudder in the bushings. Replacing the bushings or perhaps even a simple greasing of the assembly should correct this.

If you simply don't like the amount of torque required to hold a straight path due to either the existing rudder grind or tab offset (if equipped). To reduce right steer torque, you will need to either grind a small amount off the port side of the rudder at the trailing edge. You should see some existing grind marks that exist done to increase the torque steer assuming it was modified previously per your description of too much torque.

[sporty71]

Thanks for the info guys. I will look for a rudder adjustment tab. 68Slalom, Is this external or internal? Woodski,as for the wear the boat only has 190hrs on it but anything is possible. Would you expect to be able to physically shake the rudder by hand? Can I drop the rudder out of the boat from the outside hull only or do I need access to the top of the rudder that is back behind the fuel tank? Thanks again for your quick responses.

[WadeF]

If you look at the two pictures of the tab that needs to be adjusted mine is adjusted 3/8 of an inch to make the boat go straight. Pulling to the right is normal a minor adjustment makes it better.

[68Slalom]

You shouldn't have any wear at 190hrs, but as posted you'll have to make small adjustments until you find the right setting.