Steering bias

[Grubin]

I have experienced different forces on the helm between port and starboard turns on a Ranger 29. The factory rep. said that this is normal, but could not explain the reason for it.

Can you please verify or discount this claim. If valid, what is the reason, and is there a fix? Does it exist on all Ranger models.

Also, how are the tanks constructed (fuel, water, holding), and what is their projected life expectancy? If they need replaced on a 29, does the entire saloon and galley cabinetry need torn out for access?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Cutwater28GG]

possible reasons offset rudder. rudder actuator is attached on one side only - push pull forces are different, boat is not trimmed flat and rudder pressure is constantly offset.
not sure if prop direction has an impact.

 

[BB marine]

You may be experiencing prop walk. The prop is a right hand rotating. When in forward gear the prop will walk the stern to the starboard. When at speed you may feel it harder to turn the boat to the starboard than the port. The natural reaction of the right hand rotating prop is to walk the stern to starboard and bow to port. A slight correction with the whee to starboard offsetting the rudder maintains the boat in a straight path. With hydraulic steering its not has noticeable but you may feel it easier to turn to port than Starboard. The most noticeable prop walk is when shifted into Reverse. Stern walks to the port, Prop is rotating left hand.

Tanks are all polymer material. I believe polyethylene. The life expectancy should be " just about forever" as long as there isn't an impact to the tank. It must be vented and supported properly for longevity. ABYC has very strict installation guideline for tank installations. If the guidelines are followed "just about forever". It would be a large project to remove and replace the tanks. I'm sure it could be done though.

 

[notjj]

I have experienced different forces on the helm between port and starboard turns on a Ranger 29. The factory rep. said that this is normal, but could not explain the reason for it.

My R31 as well as a friends R29 are the same, so I'd go with totally normal. I was told it is due to the rudder physically being offset to one side of centerline of the boat. They did that so that you can remove the shaft without removing the rudder.

But I imagine that Brian's answer is most likely part of or most of the answer to why it steers harder to starboard than port. It is noticeable but I don't find it annoying at all, at least not compared to some cable steered boats I've used before... those could be a workout.

Also, how are the tanks constructed (fuel, water, holding), and what is their projected life expectancy? If they need replaced on a 29, does the entire saloon and galley cabinetry need torn out for access?

About the only way you would ever get any of those tanks out is by splitting the upper hull from the lower hull (aux fuel tank on some of the R29s being the exception), or taking a saw to a lot of glass to get them out... so basically they are there for life. As pointed out though, they should last the lifetime of the boat assuming they are installed properly. So not something I'd really concern myself with.

Thankfully Ranger used polymer tanks unlike some other manufacturers that had metal tanks in foam... you can imagine how those tanks held up over time. :shock:

 

[asm777]

The thurst from the propeller wants to push the boat to port when the boat is going forward.

When we first got our boat, needed two hands and lots of strength to steer to starboard when at cruising speed whereas turning to port was always an easy one handed operation.

The factory matches the steering helms with the helm pump to balance steering wheel feel and # of turns lock to lock. Check out the Uflex chart at the following link:
http://uflexusa.ultraflexgroup.com/en/c ... ystem.html

Our boat at one point had its steering cylinder replaced with a larger model. Ended up increasing the steering wheel turns from about 4.5 turns lock to lock to 7-8 turns lock to lock. While it requires almost double the # of turns from lock to lock, a positive unintended side effect has been that steering has become noticeably lighter and easier when cruising!