Rudder filing for boat tracking

[Marty Vogel]

Does anyone have some specifics about filing a rudder so the boat tracks
better through the ski course? I have heard that the rudder needs to be
filed such that the boat will turn to the right if you let go of the
steering wheel.

My boat does not track properly. What specifically needs to be done?

[Jeff Taylor]

"Marty Vogel" <h20a...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:tpxYa.1421$M6.1...@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

>
> My boat does not track properly. What specifically needs to be done?

Boat type, year, etc...?

[Marty Vogel]

It's a 1995 Malibu Sunsetter. I have a friend who has a 1993 Mastercraft
205 who has the same problem.

Another friend who has a 1994 Mastercarft 205, that tracks great, said the
rudder needs to be filed. I haven't seen anything on the web that says
specifically what to do.

Thanks

"Jeff Taylor" <foi...@hotpop.com> wrote in message
news:2KxYa.56$f%1.3...@news.uswest.net...

[Reg]

Yawn...
It is a compensation for %^#$@*&^
Basically you increase the length on one side so that the rudder acts
as a hydrofoil, producing a side force that tends to push the rudder
and therefore the back of the boat to that side. Figure which side
you want the rudder to pull the back of the boat towards, file the
trailing edge on that side. It will take quite a lot of work and a
lot of trial and oops, it is hard to put it back on if you take off
too much.
I havn't had to do it, I doubt that it "NEEDS" to be done, but if your
boat handles THAT badly you probably have few options )-:
So, if you want the boat to tend right when your hands are off the wheel,
I guess you want the rudder to pull left, so file the trailing edge on
that side.

\R

[Dale Coleman]

On Thu, 07 Aug 2003 19:04:57 GMT, "Marty Vogel"
<h20a...@earthlink.net> wrote:

Hi Marty and the group, first make sure the rudder and steering system
are not binding and there is no damage. If there is any binding at all
the boat will not steer well. If there is some binding the cable is
likely the cause but also check the support tube and rudder. A very
slight bend to the rudder shaft from backing into or hitting something
can cause poor steering.

If the steering is free but does not pull to the right above 28 MPH or
so then grinding the trailing edge of the rudder will help a lot.

I have found a 6 inch air grinder with a 20 grit disk like the type
auto body shops use will do a real number on the rudder. About 30
seconds of grinding and then a lake test and a follow up fine tune
grind should do the trick.

BTW most of the request I got for grinding the rudder were for boats
that pulled too hard to the right. I would take most of the pull out
but leave enough so the boat pulls just a little at 28.

Hope this helps, Dale

[Peter Richards]

Yes, by design Malibu tracking is slightly "sprung": At skiing speeds,
the steering wants to turn to starboard. No filing of the rudder is
necessary, since it's already cast in the proper shape. If the steering
system is lubed and secure, and the tracking fins are secure in their
factory alignment, I believe your boat should also be sprung to
starboard -- my '98 Sunsetter certainly was. You might check with the
factory or the MBO board to make sure the '95 was setup this way, too.

All ski boats get pulled off track slightly by aggressive skiers,
requiring small corrective measures by the driver. This is normal.
Undoubtedly, some models track better than others, and I don't know how
the '95 Sunsetter fares in comparisons.

What is the specific problem your boat is having?

Have you consulted with either a dealer or the factory?

[Marty Vogel]

Dale,

Thanks for the info.

Which side of the trailing edge?
How far foward? An inch or 2 from the trailing edge, tapered to the
trailing edge?

Marty

"Dale Coleman" <kf4...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:4kt6jv0km1orf99e0...@4ax.com...

[Marty Vogel]

I am trying to get rid of a small dead band. It tough to make corrective
measures required while running through the course.

I drove and skied behind a friends CorrectCraft and can do the course with
ease. Behind my boat I have a lot of trouble because the back of the boat
gets pulled off course. If I take my hand off the steering wheel while just
driving in open water the boat tracks straight ahead.

Thanks,
Marty

"Peter Richards" <clinton....@snet.net> wrote in message
news:3F339A13...@snet.net...

[Peter Richards]

I'm not sure about the '95 model year, if Malibu set them up with the
starboard steering bias. I kinda think they did. So if yours has lost
it, the factory folks would be a good starting place to ask how you
might get it back.

Call the factory and ask -- they love to hear from owners!

Sorry not to be more help...

[Dale Coleman]

On Fri, 08 Aug 2003 17:44:23 GMT, "Marty Vogel"
<h20a...@earthlink.net> wrote:

Hi Marty and the group, it has been a while since I had to turn a
rudder. I think I have been out in the sun too long and can't remember
what side of the rudder I would grind. Most of the rudders that I
needed to tune required less right pull not more. In any case if you
have access to an air auto body grinder or maybe a belt sander with a
20 grit belt hold the tool at about 45 degrees to the trailing edge of
the rudder and cut a shinny spot about 1/4 inch wide the whole length
of the trailing edge. Take the boat out on the water and see what
happens. If you got it wrong taking the same amount out of the other
side will get you back to where you started. Cutting more will cause
the rudder to pull, after you get the pull about where you wan't it
round off the rough cut.

That should do it.

Hope this helps, Dale

>Dale,
>
>Thanks for the info.
>
>Which side of the trailing edge?
>How far foward? An inch or 2 from the trailing edge, tapered to the
>trailing edge?
>
>Marty
>

---cut---

[RCHRIS]

Check the old rudder for starters. It is best to call the boat maker, he will
give to short cuts for shaping for your boat.

Rich