Boat pulls to left
 

So I FINALLY was able to get my new Cobia in the water yesterday. When I let go of the wheel it would spin to the left then stop. It was acting like the steering was out of adjustment, almost like if you let go of a car wheel and it wants to auto center. I'm new to boats and I feel it's most likely an adjustment. This is a 260hp 350 Chevy with an Aplha drive.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I don't know if you have a steg fin on the drive -- chances are that needs to be adjusted. Typically it takes a hex wrench loosen and move a little in the opposite direction it is now placed.

good luck

3poinstar

gimball pin?

wiggle drive back and forth and see how much play there is. but when mine was real loose it pulled right when I pulled off the gas.

It actually feels like its in the power assist, like its in the valving. I do have a skag adjustment, BTW.

Ayuh,.... Try adjustin' the torque tab over the prop,...

If that don't fix it,... Try a different prop,...

It is due to prop torque and is normal on single engine boats with cable steering.

Yep

Right now it's adjusted perfectly straight. So I need to turn it counterclockwise to counteract the pulling?

You could try. I know it doesn't take much

3pointstar

Ok, also this boat only has a 15"x17 prop on a 260hp 350 Merc. Does that sound right?

Most of the suggestions given are good ones.

Since your a newbie, let me tell you this, do not let go of the steering wheel in a boat ! The drive will want to turn (and your steering wheel) on it's own.

Did I mention - do not let go of your steering wheel while driving?? !!

I had a little skiff when I was younger with a 40 Mariner on it. I adjusted the lil fin several times and though it lessened it, it would still pull to the left.

We were skiing one time and decided to see what it would do.

Well, we were not going very fast (prob barely on plane) but it took a hard left, skipped and landed which threw a buddy out the boat.

DO NOT TRY IT!!

Luckily no one was hurt and since we were going so slow, it didn't really do anything besides throw my buddy out who wasn't holding on like I told him.

Guessing it has power steering right ? try sitting out if gear, center the wheel, rev the engine a few times, see if wheel trys to move sitting still..if it does the issue is in the P/S control valve and going to have to replace that(where cable & P/S lines connect at transom..

Good idea^^. Didn't think of that one!