At the risk of sounding like a cliche--hard to starboard!--in our first cruise as a family on our new-to-us 31 Open, at approx 3,000RPMs and up, when letting go of the wheel, the boat tracks left. It easily turns to port, but starboard seems to be more diff. There is no resistance either way at dockside maneuvering or speeds up to 2,500RPMS, but steering is noticeably harder to starb somewhere above 2,500. Survey 30 days ago for purchase and sea trial went smoothly, but I was not at helm! I adjusted trim to zero and no difference was made. This is my first twin inboard and was wondering if eng rotation had anything to do with it. Hate to sound dumb--just not used to a boat tracking to one side...I'm sure something is out of adjustment???
Do you have a large transducer protruding from the bottom of the port side? Your rudders should have a five degree toe-in to stop flutter. I would also look at the vertical alignment when out of the water. Check both fore and aft and side to side. Do both trim tabs retract all the way? Capt. George
Thanks so much gentlemen for the suggestions!! I am awaiting spring haul and will double ck the alignments and transducer as suggested. Survey did note 300 rpm diff between engines. I equaled them according to throttle control, but if tachs are not calibrated and one eng turning higher than the other would explain an easier turn to the side of the higher rpm eng. In my novice hands it still felt like I wasn't getting full travel to starboard, not just a sluggish turn. several things to ck out once I am de-winterized. Thank you for taking an interest and sharing your experience!! Many blessings...
If your throttles are off, steering becomes more difficult (especially if there are any air bubbles in the hydraulic lines). I can actually tune my engine RPMs to match by feeling the point at which the steering is easiest (balanced) going straight.
Oh, and it would be unusual for throttle levers to be aligned with each other. You won't generally want the levers even with each other. You can get a photo tachometer for about 50 bucks. See if your gauges are off while at the dock.
The throttle lever mis-adjustment is a great suggestion. Every twin engine boat I have had was set up wrong. You can adjust the stops and the lever alignment at either end of the cables. It takes some trial and error. When the levers are set in the same position, you can hear when the engines are synchronized or slightly off. A slight twist of my wrist makes them perfect. Engine synchronizers are available that give you a flashing light or dial indication when both RPM's are the same. Try increasing the RPM's on the port engine and see if the problem disappears. Capt. George
Great ideas!! Thanks so much for following up. I think with some tweaking and updating to instruments and adjustments where everyone suggested--this well-cared for girl will get in-line and cruise right!! I am anxious to begin work, but have to wait for de-winterization and warmer weather. New canvas, enclosure, radar and chart plotters...it should be an exciting Spring!! Great forum, thanks and Happy New Year!!
You absolutely cannot rely on throttle position or tachometers to synchronize the engines, and that is likely your problem. You need to learn to sync them by ear or install an instrument to help you. By ear is easy on an express when you are basically standing on top of the engines. Get someone who knows what they are doing to teach you. It's a subtle thing but easy once you learn.
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