Can I use a newer rudder on an older boat?

[TRDon]

I am wondering because my boat turns nice to the left and a little hard to the right and want to know if i can get one of those tuneable rudders like on a newer boat to make it even. If so how much should I expect to pay for one?

[east tx skier]

I'm a relative newb when it comes to Nautiques. I do know you can put one of the new tunable rudders on a TSC1 boat that didn't originally come with one. No idea how that applies to 96 and older though. I think they run about $450 plus install.

[showskier]

I have a 90 SN with a new tunable rudder on it. it will fit but I dont think it will improve steering effort to the right. Mine steers easier to the left. I think that has more to do with prop rotation. All I noticed was that it allowed me to adjust forward tracking.

[skijones]

There is nothing wrong with your rudder. They are tuned to provide some pull to the left(depends on engine rotation) to take the slack out of the steering when skiing the course. If it bothers you that much, file the trailing edge of the rudder. I believe to correct your situation, you would need to file the starboard side of the rudder.

[TRBenj]

TRDon, what prop are you running? I cant say that my boat turns one way any harder than the other with all the Acmes Ive tried.

SkiJones, Ive never driven a Nautique that pulls one way or the other from the factory- theyve all been set up very neutral. It usually takes an owner to file the rudder or adjust the tunable one to get the boat to pull.

[TRDon]

If I had to guess, i would say it is a stock prop. I never looked and would haver no idea if it wsasnt original. How do I check?

[skijones]

Every direct drive Nautique I have driven has some degree of pull. Personally, I like the tension in the wheel, takes the slack out of the steering cable, especially when going through the course. Much easier to stay away from the bouys.

That said, I understand(somewhat) that a lot of owners do not use their boats for slalom. In any case, tune it to your likeing.