Deep-Vee wander 1998 Mariner 350

[SanJuanDreamer]

I have a 1998 Mariner 350.
If you have the same boat….do you have D-Vee wonder at slow speeds, like around 6 to 8 mph?

[SplashyLady]

Qr Bbpost I have a 1998 Mariner 350.
If you have the same boat….do you have D-Vee wonder at slow speeds, like around 6 to 8 mph?

???????

[waybomb]

Welcome dreamer.

What is "D-vee wonder"?

[SanJuanDreamer]

Thank you, my spelling of it should have been “Deep v wonder”.

My problem is keeping the boat straight while idleing or at slow speed (no wake zones). When the boat is on plane, it steers fine but at idle it dances left to right.

[SplashyLady]

Have you checked the fluid in the steering reservoir? Maybe it's low on oil. Also check the alignment of the rudders - some wandering can be caused by rudders that are not parallel. Remember rudders don't have much effect at very low speeds because there is not enough water flowing past them. Using engine thrust for steering is more effective at idle and near-idle.

[waybomb]

Are your trim tabs all the way up?

[SanJuanDreamer]

The trim tabs are up and I've bled the hydraulic steering system, rudders feel sturdy.
I read its acceptable to have a 1 inch difference in the rudder alignment.
Meaning, its acceptable to have some "toe-in" on the rudders...sorry its hard to describe but my rudders are slightly "toe-in" by exactly 1in. Measured at the front of the rudders.

I had a boating friend say a 36ft boat shouldn't wonder so much....wondering if the rudders should be straight on.
I think what I do is disconnect the Port rudder, securing the steering bar and see what comes of it.

[waybomb]

It does not take that long, nor is it hard, to test your theory. Let us know what you determine.

Does a 98 350 have any sort of a keel?

[mjk1040]

Have you googled this issue? I did and there were a few reasons and suggestions. I would try one thing at a time though. One suggestion was to run with trim tabs all the way down at that speed, they say it helped. Another was check if engines are both running smoothly and maintaining constant rpms. I know our 1988 Mariner had this same issue and had to control with engines and not the steering and it wandered all the time at low speeds. It's my belief that the hull design of the Mariner no matter what year skates quite easily and with the props up in that tunnel hull design doesn't help. I asked a neighboring boating friend why he left the Mariner's and went to the AC style and this was the main reason, you can actually steer an AC at low speeds and it doesn't skate on you. Then there was a prop wash issue that I won't try to explain that causes variable turbulence at the back of the boat that causes this side to side wondering. There are some real good Carver mechanics that really know these boats inside and out, look for one. Hope this helps and good luck. Mike

[SanJuanDreamer]

I have researched. Like you mentioned, peoples opinion and suggestions was what I found….as I did appreciate their feedback, I was looking for owners.
My rudders do have some toe-in, I’ll try the tabs down and see what comes of it. I’m kinda picky about the engines so I feel confident is saying they’re not the issue.