Lack of STEERING CONTROL

captbobg

Hi.

I own a 2014 Fun-Deck 236, with a 150 Yamaha. Early 2014 I communicated with Ms Terri Gipson regarding a severe problem with SLOW SPEED MANEUVERS with my boat.

The problem is although I hold a USCG 100 Ton Master Rating, and have been on the water some 60 years, this boat DOES NOT RESPOND WELL  in close quarter maneuvers IE: DOCKING.

I have made 3 Prop changes, checked & re-checked the engine alignment & mounting. Verified lack of damage to the Hull, & still I am NOT able to perform simple maneuvers with this boat.

Yesterday I met a fellow Captain who owns a 2012, 21' Fun-Deck with only 10 hours on it.

We discussed our similar boats & discovered that we have the same complaint. Capt. Glenn stated that  he will not use his boat any longer therefore the Low usage.

I feel vindicated as my position has been confirmed, and Both of us DEMAND some attention to our mutual problem.

Robert J Gilligan

908 256 2993

b4194@embarqmail.com

Hull # GDY18414I314

89checkmate

My 2015 203 O/B with 200 optimax handled poor at the start too, I tried it with a 4 blade and 5 blade and both cases it didn't respond well docking, especially in reverse, could hammer it reverse and it would just keep moving forward, I agree it was the hardest boat I ever drove trying to dock, even worse than a 30ft checkmate with twins, I have a 3 blade Enertia on it now and it handles very good, moves anywhere I want it too.

pmracing

Same here docking is a nightmare 06 GS 202 oh and don't try backing to realign for the trailer..,..,,

nquirk

89checkmate said:

My 2015 203 O/B with 200 optimax handled poor at the start too, I tried it with a 4 blade and 5 blade and both cases it didn't respond well docking, especially in reverse, could hammer it reverse and it would just keep moving forward, I agree it was the hardest boat I ever drove trying to dock, even worse than a 30ft checkmate with twins, I have a 3 blade Enertia on it now and it handles very good, moves anywhere I want it too.

I have a similar experience with my SS188 with 200 Optimax with a 5 blade.  I find it quite easy to maneuver forward, but in reverse is treacherous at best.  You have to feather it slowly.  I'd love to go to a 3 blade but love the performance of the 5 in water sports so I've learned over 5 years to work with it.

Jeronimo21

Old thread I know but checkmate if your still around, hows that Enertia treating you?