Wandering 200BR

[rijaskow]

I've only had my new to me 1993 200BR out a couple of times (it got damn cold in Minnesota) but notice it really wanders around at no wake speeds. I can hold the wheel steady and yet it will drift left and right. Trying to go straight requires constant corrections. Actually, it's almost impossible to go straight. Going thru narrows, docking or loading on the trailer is a guessing game. Is this typical? I've only had small, aluminum fishing boats before which didn't behave like this. If it isn't normal, what might be the possible solutions? Thanks.
Rick

 

[Jack F]

This is my 1st boat and had a problem at no wake speed, I was over steering, and there is a lag in the response when you are going slow. If you have trim tabs try putting them down when going slow.

 

[skibum]

Play with your drive trim, tabs, and throttle settings. You'll get it to track straighter than she does eventually. It will take some playing around to find what works best for your boat.

For me, a bit of up trim works pretty well under most circumstances. Sometimes I need to add a little of both tabs down.

You'll also get used to it. The wandering won't be so bad after you've gotten some more wheel time and can control it better.

 

[rijaskow]

Just a FYI, I don't have trim tabs on this boat. And even if I hold the steering wheel steady, the boat drifts back and forth, not just one way or the other. And it's equipped with power steering. Thanks for the responses so far. Hopefully I will be able to get it out again before the water turns hard. It's supposed to be close to 50 on Sunday!!!

 

[everthing's irie]

Just a FYI, I don't have trim tabs on this boat. And even if I hold the steering wheel steady, the boat drifts back and forth, not just one way or the other. And it's equipped with power steering. Thanks for the responses so far. Hopefully I will be able to get it out again before the water turns hard. It's supposed to be close to 50 on Sunday!!!

Single engine stern drives do that. You can try adjusting the trim, it made no real difference on my bowrider, I just let it go and make adjustments when needed. I have heard the whale tails help. I never bothered you just get use to it.

 

[chuck1]

I think it is called the "Dang Stern Drive Drift Dance" (Grin)

Try to steer to a point farther away, it helps.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Your situation is completely normal. When you see another boater going in what seems to be a perfectly straight line at low speed, it's because they are comfortable with the boat and they're making lots of small corrections without even thinking about it. When I started boating I would almost panic in a channel, now I don't even blink.

Remember that your boat is at the mercy of the wind, current, etc. The boat itself and the prop are creating a current and roughing up the water. The boat will go wherever you point it but there is a lag in its reaction to your steering. Try not to over-correct and don't focus on trying to keep it on an exact straight line. Point it on the direction you want it to go and let it meander as you putter along. If you are in a seriously tight situation then really focus on not over-correcting and maybe bump up the speed just enough to where there is less wandering. You will eventually get the feel of your boat and you will drive straight without even thinking about it.
.

 

[bighorse]

Smart Tabs corrected that problem for me.