N33 pulls to port under power

[elcap373]

I am looking at buying a Newport 33. When under power she seems to pull excessively to port. The broker says, "Don't worry about it, its normal. Due to prop wash." Which I could understand. However, I have found the sellers broker to be less than credible on several issues. As a result, if he told me the sky was blue and the sun was out, I'd check twice myself before believing him...

If I had to put a number on it - I would guess the pull would measure a constant 3 to 4+ lbs on the wheel - measured at its outer edge when running at about 2500 rpm, maybe about 6 kts.

The boat comes with a Navico WB5000 autopilot. However it does not appear to ever have been used. The belt is too big for the setup. But I wonder if it would work under power with that constant pull to port.

Anyone familiar with the range of expected pull to port on a N33?

Rich McManus

[ronspiker]

It doesn't sound like prop wash. Yes in reverse but not in forward.

[sailingdog]

don't post multiple posts on the exact same subject. i doubt it is prop wash.

[scottyt]

could be a bent rudder post, get it hauled at his cost to check. if he wants to sell he should do this with out bitching. or pay for a survey which will get it hualed

[elcap373]

Is there a way to check without hauling her out? I just paid to have her surveyed. The surveyor didn't notice anything.

[peikenberry]

Don't buy until they fix it.

[scottyt]

if the survey did not find anything i have one question who surveyor did you use, hopefully not the brokers. did the surveyor look at the boat out of the water?

if it was your surveyor, tell the broker to pull the boat again, and stand behind her and make sure the rubber is centered with the keel. same with the prop shaft incase the strut is bent. a cost of a 125 bucks to sell a boat is nothing to the broker

[elcap373]

You're right. Out she'll have to come.

[elcap373]

How's this for a guess.
The former owner kept maintenance records. I read the history. Not long ago the owner had the transmission replaced. Shortly thereafter the engine ran dry of oil! Seems the mechanic rolled a gasket and the oil leaked out while under power. Insurance paid for the original mechanic to pull the engine and have it rebuilt. (rebuilt by the same guy that caused the problem!).

When she was out of the water for the survey I remember looking over the rudder pretty closely. If it had been out of wack significantly - I think I would have noticed. The rudder is exposed on these N33's. There is no skeg. I didn't notice any dings on the rudder or keel.

But I'll bet the mechanic that couldn't get the gaskets strait, couldn't get the alignment strait. Would that make sense?

Rich

[scottyt]

yes if the alignment was way off it could pull the shaft off center. but i cant see that as not noticable from looking at the engine.