2007 Z20 Pulls hard at speed

[Gooddeed2006]

I have a Ranger Z20 with a 225 Evinrude HO and a manual JP. My issue is that once I trim up and am at speed, 50+, the boat pulls hard to the left. When I let off the throttle, it jerks right rather hard unless I lower the trim before letting off throttle. I'm unsure as to what might cause this. Aside from the pulling hard to the left at speed, it runs great and has zero other issues. Any input is much appreciated.

[mactlman]

Does the engine have a trim tab? Is it missing or not straight? What is your prop to pad number?

[Gooddeed2006]

No trim tabs; stock Z20 with manual plate.

[blkfalc4]

There should be an adjustable torque tab on the motor directly on the cavitation plate just above the prop.

Adjust it to get neutral steering feedback. Start with it directly inline w/lower unit.

[mactlman]

[mactlman]

have number 70 on lower? this is a 2007 maybe wrong model?

https://www.boats.net/catalog/evinru...ard/2007/225hp

[Gooddeed2006]

I don't have that on my motor. Maybe I should get that and install. Until I'm able to get that part, are there any other ideas of what to do to correct?

[Gooddeed2006]

The engine is a 2007.

[mactlman]

07 should be the same set up

[Gooddeed2006]

I'll upload a pic when I get back to the shop.

[blkfalc4]

Check the steering system for fluid level and leaks. A good bleed may be in order.

Abnormal steering torque can also be caused by the motor being run too high. What's the prop to pad measurement?

[Finlander]

Back in the days before hydraulic steering we used hydraulic plates to locate the neutral steering which was a sweet spot for boat handling. When the plate is too deep the torque in the wheel pulls left. When to high it pulls right. With Hydraulic steering these forces are mitigated considerably but still exist. Best performance typically comes with a higher prop to pad setting. Based on what you have described, the motor could come up.

There is also a thing called a torque tab or trim tab, depending on what generation you’re from. Item 70 from the diagram post. This can be dialed to offset the felt torque in the wheel. These are no longer a thing as hydraulic steering eliminates torque input..

Letting off the throttle too quickly at speed and trim angle can be dangerous. It can result in a temporary lose of rudder control when the bow falls off pad breaking prop bite. It is best to trim down first letting the hull act as a brake slowing boat speed before reducing throttle.