Expert: Everett Peacock - 4/12/2010

Question
I have a 2006 22' 225 hp outboard powered boat which lists to the starboard side about 1.5" from the waterline.  This list is corrected if I add 170 lbs to the port side. The boat was evaluated for trapped water which appears to be not the case. It also was declared by the manufacturer as a problem in all the boats they made of this type/model. The manufacturer after evaluating and confirming this problem offered to add that weight permanently to the port side of the hull as a correction. I declined this fix.  It also is much more difficult to turn to the port despite hydraulic steering.  I am being told by the manufacturer and the dealer that a new steering system will correct the steering deficiency however I feel this problem is related to the list. I am curious to hear your opinion about how you think this situation should be resolved. The manufacturer has stated that adding counter weight is an industry acceptable fix.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
It sounds as if the boat mold was bad... a counter weight is  a acceptable repair....as for the steeering , a new system may solve the problem, but defore changing the system check the trim tab on the outdsrive...you can move it to correct the steering pull...