I am new to boating and I have a 1997 Scarab 23. When Im going 5 mph the boat drifts left then right left then right etc, etc.......it wont just track straight. it just wanders back and fourth until eventually i have to correct it. Its getting kind of annoying. I cant find any free play in the drive and I know my steering ring was just replaced so its tight but I do have free play at the steering wheel. If that could be the problem is there a way to tighten it up? The boat is fine at any speed above 5 mph but when im trying to get in and out of my harbor its a long time of wagging back and forth.

Welcome to boating!!!

single I/O, deep V, low speed= wander. Have a boat that does it too. There's a zen kind of feel you will get, and you will make it straighter, but it's the nature of the beast. It's worse with a bad skeg. Or with the drive up.

I highly doubt that your boat is broke.

You really will get better at it. Look farther ahead and don't correct so much.

Keep watching that snake behind you, it will get better.

Oh, and also... welcome to boating.
I hope you are mechanically inclined, rich, and very patient.

Good sense of humor helps too. Epsecially when it's your fault.

P.S. Don't yell at people. Especially the ones you sleep with. It won't help anyway, and everybody will think you are a jerk.

Bam. There's all I learned in 25 years of boating. (plus I can McGiver anything)

If you have trim tabs, drop them all the way down and it will lessen this happening. It is really just acharacteristic of the setup as others mentioned.

This is normal in my experience. Wind, wave action and current will affect track & path at that speed.

You could trade up to a bigger boat with twins?? Not sure, I have not done that. Check to see if the fin above the prop is straight.. but like all singles, you will get used to the wander, just dont over correct and it will bother you less and lesss..

I have a couple of bridges for sale in your area.. that would take your mind off it..
like those guys said... welcome to boating, it only gets better from here..

Good luck

Dick

on my 22 Scarab I got used to steering before it wagged,,kinda beat it to the punch by anticipating because if you wait til it goes left to steer right,,it's too late. Now I'm trying to get used to 4 levers and keep throwing it in "idle" for reverse or leaving it in gear to long,etc. Enjoy your 23 they are beauties.

That is pretty typical of a stock bravo/alpha setup. All of my boats have done this. Try this ( if you have room) Don't touch the wheel. I used to try and correct every movement but it is impossible. If you let it do it's thing it will keep a pretty good course with only minor corrections needed.

This is what works on my 22' Scarab. Also I noticed that if you bump up the trim a little it helps too.

Roby