78 f32 steering/rudders

[mikeandanne]

A little background,--- after using this boat for while I find at idle speeds in marina etc, that the boat wanders like my old ford pickup--- it is very sensitive to throttle steer as well ( previous boat was very stable at slow speeds)----- I have read some previous info about small rudders and I have to say that they did seem small---- So I guess the question is, is this normal for this hull and has anyone gone to larger rudders and seen a noticeable improvement in handling?? They do seem to be aligned ok--- Thanks Mike

[Stripermann2]

I believe the F32 design originally had the larger rudders and it was deemed to be an issue. Trojan redesigned and added smaller rudders to the line-up. I never have any wandering issues with my boat, especially at low speeds. I have found that if my holding tank is full, bow heavy, it may wander at slower speeds but generally that's not my case.

[ready123]

I don't see that with 3 or 4 blade props. Is throttle steer not what you want? I rarely use the wheel while in the marina.
Check your alignment with this, do you have the 2 1/2 degree toe out?



If the same then check for twisted keel.

[1967 seavoyager]

Are both your engines running smoothly & at the same rpm when in gear ? No rolling or low idle on one engine?

[rossjo]

Make sure your trim tabs are up.

I go on a lot of boats where the owner forgets to raise their tabs after they slow down.

Rode on one last night where they owner had so much down tab that I could hardly steer it at 20 knots when I took over for a moment. It was actually dangerous.

[mikeandanne]

Thanks for the responses guys,I will recheck the rudders using the measurements from the diagram---- engines fine--- the tachs are a little iffy though,checked all the connections and they are better--- I really don't use the wheel in the marina also ,it just seems overly sensitive to any input and I wanted to know if that is just the way these boats are---- tabs are up ,I disabled them (another long story,leaking) until I can replace them this fall ( new tab thread coming soon )----at the end of the day I probably just don't have enough time with it yet and previous boat ( carver) was not so sensitive----Mike

[Stripermann2]

Carvers, both the boats... and their owners, are insensitive creatures.

Good luck with the boat.

[ready123]

Are your throttle cables nice and free to give smooth speed adjustments?
I do believe without the toe out of rudders there is some wander due to props being relatively close together.
Keep us informed..... Going north of O'Donnell anytime soon?

[mikeandanne]

Update----------I checked all the measurements and the toe setting appears to be ok-----while jammed in the lazerette I noticed the steering ram has a good 1" of lateral play.There is a white mount of sorts holding the ram in place that seems worn out---- maybe has a ball and socket??--- will try to get a pic on next visit to send to Bob---
the ram is syten BA125-7-BJ.,rest of system is sea star --- thanks for all the responses--- Mike

----- to ready123 ---- we have not escaped Penetang harbour yet,I figured it would take a season to get this boat back to my standards ( lots of electrical stuff) and now as it turns out we are in the process of moving to Penetang--- see you out there--- Mike

[mikeandanne]

Carvers, both the boats... and their owners, are insensitive creatures.

Good luck with the boat.

You are right , old and more sensitive now with the Trojan and that could explain how come I am noticing this now?? Lol
A couple of pics of the offending mount---I know I posted these separately but maybe with a little history would be better-- Mike

[Scorpion07]

I'm hoping for some input about the ball joint too. I'm having similar issues because mine's also loose at the pivot pictured.

[mikeandanne]

A little update--I know Scorpion has the same problem---- I have made some calls around to see what can be done about that worn out mount on the BA125-7-BJ steering cylinder,the bj stands for ball joint, so I will have to wait for haul out and pull the joint out to see if I can make something for it .
According to sea star as they are now called you can replace this unit with an HA5425 mount,or the entire cylinder and mount with BA125-7-ATM( aluminium trunnion mount) I think that would have to be confirmed though and I am also waiting for Beacon Bob to get back to me about the old mount.I really hate to change out something that does not leak a drop, anyway we will have to wait--- Mike

[mikeandanne]

Another update for the steering issues---- this is the offending culprit giving me all the steering slack---- May not look like much but the holes the ball fits in are wallowed out and I think the ball is a bit smaller( have to measure ball yet to get accurate size)----- any ideas out there--- I know I could put a new ram etc down there but nothing leaks a drop at this point and there is auto helm connected as well----- Mike

[Capt Marco]

My F32 is prone to throttle steer, but I expect that, and I don't really use the wheel in the marina so it's no big deal and easy to get used to, I rarely adjust the tabs, don't see a need for it, and it doesnt' hurt anything to keep them in one spot until you need more tab. Furthermore, since my boat is used for almost exclusively trolling so we bolt on stainless extensions for more surface area. Auto pilot holds much better than those tiny rudders it came with.

[mikeandanne]

Another update for steering mount---- I made the wooden peg as a guide the same size as the one in the boat about .010" larger at .685 and then epoxied the holes and then fit everything with dremel and round grindstone---- fits now with no slop