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Misty Blue · 02-17-2006, 10:55 PM

GWC:

If you are thinking obout the small tab, grey/silver in color, behind the prop. it is not to reduce the torque on the boat is to even out the steering.

Typical boats propellers (screws) turn clockwise when in forward and counter clockwise when in reverse ( a whole new post). Picture your screw as a big water wheel turning clockwise as you go forward. It would pull your stern to the right thus turning your boat to port. To compensate for this in small craft tabs are placed behind the screw to add a steering effect to the lower unit.

Your tab should be adjusted (it takes a 5/16" allen wrench on a Mercruiser) a little bit to starboard. When properly set you can be on plane and let go of the wheel and she should run straight on course.

The added benefit is that they are also sacrificial annodes. That is they give up their mass through electron flow saving your outdrive from corrosion. Remember, in fresh water like our beautiful Lake, use magnisium annodes. Zinc annodes are for salt water.

'Hope this helps.

60 days till ice out?

Misty Blue.

02-17-2006, 10:55 PM	#23
Misty Blue Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 658 Thanks: 121 Thanked 283 Times in 98 Posts	Those little tabs... GWC: If you are thinking obout the small tab, grey/silver in color, behind the prop. it is not to reduce the torque on the boat is to even out the steering. Typical boats propellers (screws) turn clockwise when in forward and counter clockwise when in reverse ( a whole new post). Picture your screw as a big water wheel turning clockwise as you go forward. It would pull your stern to the right thus turning your boat to port. To compensate for this in small craft tabs are placed behind the screw to add a steering effect to the lower unit. Your tab should be adjusted (it takes a 5/16" allen wrench on a Mercruiser) a little bit to starboard. When properly set you can be on plane and let go of the wheel and she should run straight on course. The added benefit is that they are also sacrificial annodes. That is they give up their mass through electron flow saving your outdrive from corrosion. Remember, in fresh water like our beautiful Lake, use magnisium annodes. Zinc annodes are for salt water. 'Hope this helps. 60 days till ice out? Misty Blue.