[Chris Burkard]

Engine RPM is going to have little to do with pressure exerted on the rudders. Yes, there may be a slight difference if one engine is running 100 plus RPMs higher than the other, but you would be able to hear a pulsing of the engine harmonics if you were that far out of synch.

My guess is you have an issue with rudder alignment, binding in the rudder shafts or connecting tie-bar, possible steering pump issue or possibly an issue with the hydraulic steering cylinder itself.

1) Do you have an equalized steering ram? I believe all Tiaras were built with equalized hydraulic rams. I don't think I've seen one any other way. You can tell if a steering ram is equalized in the following manner - the steering shaft goes through the ram and protrudes out the other side.

An equalized hydraulic ram should require the same amount of pressure to move it in either direction given the load is the same.

I would first check your rudder tables, steering ram and tie-bar. Make sure there is nothing getting in the way of a full lock to lock turn. I have seen all manner of items get caught in the steering system such as dock lines, spare anchors and fenders.

Then check your rudder alignment. The rudder shafts are keyed and you should be able to tell where they are pointing from inside the boat. If they are out of whack, you should be able to tell. The rudder shafts should also be at the same level. If one is high and the other is dropped way down, then you have an issue.

Next would be to check below the water with the rudders themselves.

If all of the above is good, you may have an issue inside the steering pump. You will have to pull it and send it out to be rebuilt. Hopefully it is something simple.

Good luck!

[Vidal Doll]

Thanks Chris! Great advice! I will ck this and several other things out. Was at the boat today with the elect tech who will be upgrading the electronics/radar and LED courtesy lights. This is a super nice boat for 22yrs old. The technician said it was obviously a boat shed baby! Every thing works--just upgrading and tweaking the twirks!!

Hope to move up in length and year within 2-3 years...
Blessings to you...

[Chris Burkard]

One other item to check as it just come to me.

We were running a Tiara 29 Coronet once the boat pulled hard to one side. We checked everything and even pulled the boat out of the water. Everything appeared good. Upon further inspection, we noticed the shaft shroud (the fiberglass panel that covers the area under the boat where the shaft enters the hull) was loose. It is held on by 3M 5200 and screws. At speed, the plate would pull down and create tremendous drag. Eventually the plate would have just ripped off the bottom had we not discovered it. This could cause a pull to one side at speed. Something to check.

Good Luck!