First Bass Boat- Question...

First off I'd like to introduce myself since I'm new here and I want to say that I've been lurking this site for a while and decided it's time to join. There's lots of great info here and I'm glad to be a part of it. Very impressed with the amount of sincere advice that people are willing to give http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif . My name is Chris, I'm from Stoney Creek, Ontario (near hamilton), Canada. I'm 23 and have been fishing since I was in a stroller. Millwright by trade and just recently bought my second boat (first bass boat). The first one I built myself and was great but it was time to step it up.
1998 Stratos 282 DC 18'6"
2005 Mercury XR6 150
3 blade stainless prop 25 x 14.6 (not sure what make)
6" Pro hi-jacker- 3" pad to prop
59gps w/ 3 people and full gas tank 150 litres (40 gal.)
5800 @ WOT (just me on board)
18psi water pressure @ WOT

The problem that I'm having is an insane amount of torque steer. The boat wants to crank right really hard no matter what speed I'm running. It's easy and smooth to turn when it's off or in idle, but it wants to turn even at 10-15mph and gets worse as I speed up. I have to strain myself holding the wheel so it doesn't spin. Originally I thought it was only at high speed when I first got it because of a slightly bent skeg, but I straightened it and installed an offset trim tab with no difference. On plane the boat also leans to the port side until I trim out and then the boat levels.
Is this possibly because of the prop? Or maybe the jack-plate to high/low? You guys are the experts so I'd like to hear you're thoughts before I go out spending some coin on a new prop if I don't even need it.
Cheers!
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Is the Jack plate level? It may be bound and crooked from someone adjusting it previously. Check that first, then adjust the trim tab the other way and see if there is a difference. (I assume you are referring to the tab that mounts on the cavitation plate.) Good luck and WELCOME ABOARD http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/newyear1.gif

Hmm.. Good idea! Didn't think of that. And yeah it's the tab on the anti-cav plate. Trim tab? Torque tab? whatever. lol. I might actually take it off when I'm trying to correct the steering problem since the motor doesn't even come with it. Keep me from over-correcting the problem.

if you have the money invest in hydralic steering, at wot i can let go of the wheel and she drives straight as a arrow(stratos 21ss extreme) the lean is a hull design flaw most do it (older models)mine included, to the right,the prop should have nothing to do with the steering torque, and if it is cable steer the cable maybe be getting ready to seize up. You fishing the niagara outdoor open on sat out of crystal beach ? looks like a good field and nice payouts!

I have a 23 p prop if you want to try it as well!

You can try a tourque tab. I put one on mine and totally fixed my steering tourque issue. The tourque tab mounts to the skeg.

Gotta work saturday http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthdown.gif . Actually I've never fished a tourny! I'm thinking about giving it a go next year, maybe try to get in as a non-boater with the niagara bass clubs a couple of times to get a feel for how things work.
I could see hydraulics making a huge difference and probably an upgrade that I'll be looking at, but I know the cable was replaced just before I picked up the boat on Thanksgiving. I want to try to fix this without adding anything to it first. If nothing else it'll help me get an understanding of how setup adjustments will effect the boat. Hopefully Sunday.
Thanks for the prop offer. I'll have to meet up with you soon and give it a go.
Good luck on Saturday! Weather looks promising http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

DanCard: Do you have a picture of one? I get confused by all the trim tab/ torque tab talk and it seems everyone calls them by different names. Is it something I could make?

I'm out of town right now, but when I'll be back on tuesday. When I get a chance, I'll get you some pics. It would probably be easier to buy one. They aren't very expensive. They are $21 at basspro.com. Go to the outboard motor accessories and they are on the last page at the bottom.

Adjusted the jack plate yesterday and took it out to try it. 3" pad to prop dropped to 3.5"
Same rpm
19-20 psi WP
62 mph on gps (slight gain)

It made the steering only slightly better. Not enough for me to think that's the problem.

Lower motor leg and jack plate was less than 1 degree off square from the transom.

Sounds like a torque tab would be the way to go then.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by DanCard &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Sounds like a torque tab would be the way to go then.</td></tr></table>

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif It's amazing the difference a torque tab can make. Cheap and an easy fix.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bronzejunkie &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Adjusted the jack plate yesterday and took it out to try it. 3" pad to prop dropped to 3.5"
Same rpm
19-20 psi WP
62 mph on gps (slight gain)

It made the steering only slightly better. Not enough for me to think that's the problem.

Lower motor leg and jack plate was less than 1 degree off square from the transom.</td></tr></table>


If you lowered the motor and picked up speed then I think you are headed in the right direction. I would try and lower the engine another 1/4 or 1/2 inch and see what happens. Not all hulls/props perform better by running the motor high and "surfacing" the prop. This could also cause steering torque at high speed/RPM.
Not saying that adding a torque tab wouldn't help but it may just be a setup issue.