which side to grind

[pj]

Hello all. I'm just getting around to some winter "tune-up" projects.
Last fall I picked up a '96 SN. The steering is very neutral. I don't have a tuneable rudder.
I've heard of other guys grinding on one side of the rudder with a file to help put a little torque in the steering.
My question is, which side do I want to grind?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[EarlyRiser]

which side to grind?

Is it the opposite side that you want the steering to torque toward? Several years ago I saw a CC drawing of the grind. It is not just for one area of the rudder (which you may already know). Check with Midwest CC if they have the drawing; 260-8332226. ER

[jedgell]

RE: which side to grind?

With a Nautique, you'll want the steering to pull to the left (because of the RH rotation). File the left trailing edge of the rudder. Hold the file at a 45 deg angle while filing, it takes a lot of filing, might want to consider using a grinder.

[jos]

RE: which side to grind?

Hello all,

Sinds fall I have a 1991 SN196. It puls directly when ungripping the steeringwheel.
First I thougt this was abnormal.
Reading above its desired. Why? Quick cornering?

I thought the rudder should be tuned to neutral.

There is some extensive play on the rudder bearing, so possibly this gives a stronger pull.

Is there a tuneble friction device on the end of the cable or under the dashbaord.

Please give me feedback.

[siuski]

RE: which side to grind?

Jos- you want the rudder to pull to take up any slop in the steering system. It is mainly usefull in the slalom course as small quick adjustments are needed. I've driven a few boats that were tuned to neutral, and driving through the course is very difficult with a good skier behind you.

[DanielC]

RE: which side to grind?

A tournament ski boat is usually set up to pull slightly to one side or the other, so when a driver is holding a straight line through a slalom course, he has something to work against. the driver does not have to go through the free play every time they make a minor course correction. I do not drive my boat in a course much, and my boat (1997 Ski) is fairly neutral. How a boat pulls is totally a drivers, or owners preference.

[jos]

RE: which side to grind?

Thanks guys,

Fun to learn when 45 years of age.

OK, I have get used to the pull. The first and only drive, with the SN was beginning of November. Yet we have to wait, at April start.

We just wakeboard for the second year. The first year we helped ourselves on a normal boat. The 91' SN 196 came and fitted in our budget. The in- & exterior is in a good condition.

The first drive was excelent, low on engine noise and excelent hull chop damping.

Also quite different to our old boat, was the for turn through the wake, also called the P turn in wakeboard language, the SN was feeling very light when cutting through/over the wake with a light roll. Possibly this is a normal thing for such a SN????????

Family is already looking for the August holiday Lago Magiore Italy. Will send pictures also from the April start.

[pj]

RE: which side to grind?

I worked on grinding my rudder a bit with a file. It seems to have a nice pull to it and tracks nice and straight when at 32MPH and slower. However, now at 34MPH and higher, it feels like the back end is very light and wants to wander around. Shouldn't the pull get stronger with higher speed? I checked the cable at the rudder tiller and it seems tight. I can't find any play between the steering and the rudder. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.