Here are 7 tests to learn why your boat won’t track straight, either because it pulls right or left. We have also gathered solutions and tutorials for you to fix this issue.
When you are out boating, you probably want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. One thing that can ruin the journey is a boat pulling to the right or left and not tracking straight in the water. Let’s talk about why your outboard does that and how you can fix it!
The Basics
These tests are basic checks to see if nothing has been forgotten. We start with the most basic tests first, the ones that won't really cost anything and might tell you why your boat won’t track straight.
Is the weight evenly distributed on your boat?
The best way to check for weight imbalance is to check if your boat sits flat on the water.
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: Even a slight weight imbalance can cause your boat to pull to the left or to the right due to the water friction being uneven between each side of your boat.
Is the propeller in good condition?
You would probably notice if you hit something with your boat…. But on the off chance that you didn’t: lift the engine up and check the propeller to make sure it isn’t damaged.
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: Even small dents on a propeller can cause a boat not to track straight. Any imperfection will theoretically affect the “grip” that the propeller has on water. Not fixing this issue will affect your gearbox later.
Engine
Your engine can also be the reason why your boat won’t track straight. For example, you need to check if it is mounted correctly along the centerline or if your engine’s skeg is in good condition.
Is the engine mounted on the centerline of the boat?
There are two ways to check that. First, you can measure the distance between each side of your boat to your engine. Second, many boats have a centerline marker and many engines have that as well. So, check your boat and engine manual for where these markers are and make sure they are aligned.
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: Either your engine was not installed properly or the engine mounting system is worn out. As a result, the engine is pushing water more to one side.
Is the engine skeg undamaged and straight?
The skeg is the “fin” part of the engine located just below the prop, it is what keeps the boat stable and going straight when moving through water. To check if your engine’s sekg is damaged, pull up your manual to find an image of your engine, or simply use Google. Then compare that image with your engine, are they the same?
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: If your skeg is bent or broken, it no longer has a symmetrical shape, therefore creating uneven pressure on each side of the skeg as water passes near it (resulting in your boat pulling to the right or left).
Torque & trim tabs
These are two types of adjustable fins that help keep boats going in a straight line. Both can be adjusted fairly easily. Let's see if that is why your boat is pulling to the right or to the left.
Do you have a torque tab installed above the propeller?
You will need to lift your engine out of the water for this test. The torque tab is a small metal “fin” that is fixed onto the lower unit of an engine (the underwater part). It is installed on the horizontal surface right above the propeller (AKA the bottom of the anti-cavitation/anti-ventilation plate). Check Google for an image, it is pretty straightforward, if you have a torque tab, you’ll know.
- Yes: Now that we know you have one, we need to know if it is properly installed and aligned. Need further testing
- No: It may have fallen off or been removed by a previous owner! Either way, it’s an essential piece of keeping your boat from pulling hard to the right or left.
Is your torque tab adjusted correctly?
The torque tab should be angled to compensate for the torque generated by the propeller's rotation. It should be rotated towards the direction of the pull. Lift your engine above the water and check the torque tab angle. Is it straight, rotated towards the direction of the pull or against it?
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: Your boat steering pulls to the right or left because a key piece of your engine is not properly installed with the right angle.
Do you have trim tabs and are they adjusted correctly?
Trim tabs are placed on either side of a boat's engine and are independently controlled metal plates adjusted by a panel in the cabin. The tabs will compensate for engine torque, planning and a boat not tracking straight. Trim tabs can be difficult to use at first, check our resources below to adjust them properly.
- Yes: All good, next test
- No: If one of the trim tabs is set too far down for example, it will push water unevenly on each side of the hull and cause your boat not to track straight.