Tracking on '07 Express 330

[BIBoy]

I was testing out an '07 Express 330 (~160 hrs) and had a question about tracking. My experience is in I/O, not dual outboards (Yamaha 250s), so I may just be inexperienced at assessing this situation. While heading across light to moderate chop on plane (about 31 knots), I thought there was a lot of play in the steering or perhaps too soft a chine for cutting through this type of water or perhaps I didn't have it trimmed out correctly? The steering at very low speed (trolling) was the typical back and forth for keeping it on track in moderate wind, but didn't seem overly loose, so I doubt there's a true mechanical problem. I'd appreciate any comments - just trying to decide if I'm going to pull the trigger on this beautiful boat. Thanks!

 

[ElyseM]

sounds like something is loose somewhere. i have an '09 and at speed it tracks like an arrow. someone will chime in on the '07, but like i said, sounds like something in the steering. ron

 

[BobP]

Why did you think there was a lot of play in the steering ?

Did you turn around and look at motors while moving wheel? Whatever play or (dead band) is in sterring would be in any sterring, mechanical, hydraulic, for I/Os too.

Ther may be a different turns lock to lock your I/O vs. the Grady, that will fool you.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Had an '07 last year and the boat was tracking like an arrow also. Some times following seas were a little difficult but that is normal.

 

[BIBoy]

Thanks - Reply

Thanks for the input so far. While it's obvious that there's play in any type of boat steering, my impression was that there was more than "normal" - just in the rougher water. There was a full-on movement of water from low tide to high - and where we were yesterday, we were moving from +0.2 feet to +9.9 feet in a matter of 6.5 hours. This current, ferry wakes and lots of other wakes as well were directly perpendicular to the inlet of the bay - all converging to hit the boat directly on the port side. While I normally would not take this approach, I was with the owner in unfamiliar waters to me and we were heading into the bay/dock - so, bottom line, this may have been an acid test.

So, one other question - I believe there was a (minor?) hull change in the 330 between the '07 and '08 model years to accommodate the move to a max of 700 hp (vs. 600 on '07). One difference was significant stiffening of the transom. Anybody know of any substantial differences between these hulls in terms of tracking/steering?

Thanks very much for your responses.

 

[ElyseM]

the hull is the same, just reinforced for the added weight and torque of the v-8. the liner was tweaked. the windshield is slightly higher and the helm seating layout is different.