I have a 1997 H-336 that has an annoying pull to port when motoring that is somehow caused by the prop wash on the rudder. It is similar in force to significant weather helm. The pull to port intensifies as engine RPM's increase and instantly stops when taken out of gear. My question is whether anyone else has had this problem, heard of a similar issue, and/or knows what to do to fix it. FYI, we have a Yanmar 3GM30F engine, a 16" diameter bronze prop with 13" pitch, and the cutlass bearing shows no wear. Further, there is no noticeable vibration when motoring. At the last survey in July 2001, both the fiberglass rudder post and rudder were in good condition. Any ideas about possible causes or solutions would be GREATLY appreciated.
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engine helm
Steve, I also have a 336 and I also notice "engine helm" however mine does become noticable until very high rpm (over 3000)As far as "fixing" it I don't have a answer but it is not a issue for me as I very rarely go over 3000 rpm however I thought maybe a 3 blade prop might help? I don't know and have not tried it just my thoughts.Maybe someone else can add info and it is not just your boat that has this issue.Good Luck and let us know if you "cure" it and how you did it!
Steve, I also have a 336 and I also notice "engine helm" however mine does become noticable until very high rpm (over 3000)As far as "fixing" it I don't have a answer but it is not a issue for me as I very rarely go over 3000 rpm however I thought maybe a 3 blade prop might help? I don't know and have not tried it just my thoughts.Maybe someone else can add info and it is not just your boat that has this issue.Good Luck and let us know if you "cure" it and how you did it!
It could be the torque
I have some of the same problem on my h27 and the mechanic told me it was the torque and I tested it out by observing the pull when in reverse. In reverse, the pull is to the opposite side. I took advantage of this in backing into my slip. Perhaps this is similar.
I have some of the same problem on my h27 and the mechanic told me it was the torque and I tested it out by observing the pull when in reverse. In reverse, the pull is to the opposite side. I took advantage of this in backing into my slip. Perhaps this is similar.
Easy to deal with...
I read about prop wash in either Sailing World or Cruising World.... Initially, as you are backing out of the dock, give the boat some throttle to move it...when you get some mementum, put the throttle in nuetral again and let the rudder work for you...the boat SHOULD turn the way you want it. Prop wash is not fixable...it is not a problem but a result of the prop working against the rudder mechanism. The above proceedure has worked great for me (however, I am NOT accounting for wind/current). AGain, I simply thottle the boat backward, and then take it out of gear and the boat turns the way I want.
I read about prop wash in either Sailing World or Cruising World.... Initially, as you are backing out of the dock, give the boat some throttle to move it...when you get some mementum, put the throttle in nuetral again and let the rudder work for you...the boat SHOULD turn the way you want it. Prop wash is not fixable...it is not a problem but a result of the prop working against the rudder mechanism. The above proceedure has worked great for me (however, I am NOT accounting for wind/current). AGain, I simply thottle the boat backward, and then take it out of gear and the boat turns the way I want.
Check the Prop
Prop wash is perfectly normal. As mentioned before use it to your advantage. I like to back into my slip. So I start a couple of boat lengths away and rotate the bow to starboard. The wash pulls the bow straight and once I have some speed up the wash is not noticeable. However, If your wash is excesssive you may have a bent prop. Its not unusual to have your prop reconditioned. Power boaters have their props checked and re-pitched every few years.
Prop wash is perfectly normal. As mentioned before use it to your advantage. I like to back into my slip. So I start a couple of boat lengths away and rotate the bow to starboard. The wash pulls the bow straight and once I have some speed up the wash is not noticeable. However, If your wash is excesssive you may have a bent prop. Its not unusual to have your prop reconditioned. Power boaters have their props checked and re-pitched every few years.
Not in Reverse
Thanks for the replies, folks, but the problem is in forward, not reverse. When motoring forward at 2,800-3,000 the boat wants to turn hard to port: so much so that if I took my hands off the wheel we would do an immediate cirlce in that direction. If I take it out of gear, the pull to port immmediately goes away. So, I appreciate the thought about the prop. I am thinking that a checkup may be in order as the problem must lie there.
Thanks for the replies, folks, but the problem is in forward, not reverse. When motoring forward at 2,800-3,000 the boat wants to turn hard to port: so much so that if I took my hands off the wheel we would do an immediate cirlce in that direction. If I take it out of gear, the pull to port immmediately goes away. So, I appreciate the thought about the prop. I am thinking that a checkup may be in order as the problem must lie there.
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