Life at an angle.

[MikeS.]

As a new member and owner of a 1993 Sea Ray 220 Cuddy, I've been going through the various threads to see if listing under way is common, and I've found many references to folks having problem keeping their boats upright. I have the same problem. I first noticed it when my boat didn't return to vertical after a turn. As I was continuing under way, the boat kept a list once tracking straight again.

My first concern was that there was water in the bilge as this could cause a list, but inspection showed no water in the bilge at all. So now I feel like I have a boat that is basically unstable at speed. I've never had a problem like this with any previous boat I've owned, is this a common trait with Sea Rays? Any easy fixes?

Thanks to anyone with suggestions.

 

[Pachanga Boy]

I'd start by telling your fat friend to sit in the middle of the boat:grin: j/k. is your boat equiped with trim tabs? if so are you sure they are working correctly and fully retracting? definately an odd problem, does it make a difference how full your tank is?

 

[MonacoMike]

Tabs are the answer. Does your boat have them?

 

[blaster]

Even loading is important

 

[CliffA]

i think you are experiencing the same thing i did when i first got my 215 a couple years ago...until then i was used to handling and riding in an 18 ft bow rider...when i moved up to the larger 215 with a 'deep V' hull one of the first things i noticed was the same list to one side as you mentioned when the boat was on plane...as was mentioned before weight distribution is very important....the 'deep V' hull will be more sensative to weight distribution than a conventional bow rider hull....also as mentioned the use of trim tabs will allow you to easily correct for the listing once you get used to their operation...if you don't have trim tabs you may consider adding them...they make a lot of difference in how you can control the stability of the boat in various water conditions...i also added a Stingray (no affiliation) hydrofoil to my outdrive which helped the boat in two ways...it allows me to get on plane faster and helps to stabilize the side to side listing while on plane...now i don't even have to use my trim tabs unless i have a full load of passengers and gear....

cliff

 

[MikeS.]

I had two adults, three kids, and two dogs aboard, and I was shifting them like rail meat at the America's Cup. As soon as I made a turn the list returned and had to shift everyone again. Trim taps and Shark fins? Looks like another trip to the marine supply. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

i think you are experiencing the same thing i did when i first got my 215 a couple years ago...until then i was used to handling and riding in an 18 ft bow rider...when i moved up to the larger 215 with a 'deep V' hull one of the first things i noticed was the same list to one side as you mentioned when the boat was on plane...as was mentioned before weight distribution is very important....the 'deep V' hull will be more sensative to weight distribution than a conventional bow rider hull....also as mentioned the use of trim tabs will allow you to easily correct for the listing once you get used to their operation...if you don't have trim tabs you may consider adding them...they make a lot of difference in how you can control the stability of the boat in various water conditions...i also added a Stingray (no affiliation) hydrofoil to my outdrive which helped the boat in two ways...it allows me to get on plane faster and helps to stabilize the side to side listing while on plane...now i don't even have to use my trim tabs unless i have a full load of passengers and gear....

cliff

 

[MikeWood]

I just upgraded from a 215 Weekender to a 270 Amberjack. I have the same thing happening to me. I have tabs and I can flatten the boat out with the tabs, but it seems like a constant struggle to keep the boat from listing. I'm assuming its something I just have to get used to, but it certainly feels like a different hull underneath me.

 

[Lord Farringdon]

I just upgraded from a 215 Weekender to a 270 Amberjack. I have the same thing happening to me. I have tabs and I can flatten the boat out with the tabs, but it seems like a constant struggle to keep the boat from listing. I'm assuming its something I just have to get used to, but it certainly feels like a different hull underneath me.

Congrats on AJ purchase. Theyr'e a good boat. Don't be too concerned by their tendancy to flop down on one side. This is a is a deep v hull characteristic which may be aggravated a little by the AJ's narrow beam. Deep v's and narrow beams are all good for sea keeping. The deep v assists stability in the turn and helps to reduce skidding, while the narrow beam helps the AJ work some in some steep seas. Trim tabs of course keeps the AJ steady and once adjusted only minor adjustments are neccesary to maintain a good trim. I had some problems in this area when I first purchased my AJ because I always over trimmed it. I learned to make little adjustments and let the adjustment work before I pushed the button again. I adjust the tabs a little occasionally once on the plain to counter different loadings from the last trip but my main reason for adjusting tabs would be to counter side wind pressure on the canopy. The point is trim tabs are essential and once you know how to adjust them (slowly and in small increments) , you won't have listing problems anymore.


Terry

 

[MikeS.]

Cliff,

Is the Stingray hydrofoil something I would find at West Marine? Also, how is it mounted?

Thanks...........Mike S.

i think you are experiencing the same thing i did when i first got my 215 a couple years ago...until then i was used to handling and riding in an 18 ft bow rider...when i moved up to the larger 215 with a 'deep V' hull one of the first things i noticed was the same list to one side as you mentioned when the boat was on plane...as was mentioned before weight distribution is very important....the 'deep V' hull will be more sensative to weight distribution than a conventional bow rider hull....also as mentioned the use of trim tabs will allow you to easily correct for the listing once you get used to their operation...if you don't have trim tabs you may consider adding them...they make a lot of difference in how you can control the stability of the boat in various water conditions...i also added a Stingray (no affiliation) hydrofoil to my outdrive which helped the boat in two ways...it allows me to get on plane faster and helps to stabilize the side to side listing while on plane...now i don't even have to use my trim tabs unless i have a full load of passengers and gear....

cliff

 

[CliffA]

Cliff,

Is the Stingray hydrofoil something I would find at West Marine? Also, how is it mounted?

Thanks...........Mike S.

WM may carry the Stingray hydrofoil but i'm not sure....i bought mine at Bass Pro Shops...the model i have is bolted through the cavitation plate on the outdrive which requires drilling 4 holes through the plate...i think there are some different makes and models of hydrofoils that use a mounting system that does not require drilling holes, but i have no experience with them....

good luck...

cliff

 

[MikeS.]

Thanks Cliff...............I would agree that bolt on is probably inherently more secure than set screws. Thanks for the info.........................Mike S.

 

[MikeWood]

Thanks Terry....like I said, just something I need to get used to....which means I need more time on the water. Darn!