Ski Centurion Falcon

[bclongdrive]

Hi all,

 

I have a 1988 ski centurion falcon. I just replaced the helm and steering cable as was incredibly rigid when I bought it. I also replaced the ball and clamp at the back as a lot of play in it. The boat has a rudder off an old mastercraft. The tiller arm is tight and. I just put new stuffing in the rudder stuff box and no side to side play

 

Over 32mph now I get a ton of "zig zagging"

When I'm driving at any speed below 32mph the boat wants to go to the left which doesn't make any sense to me as it SHOULD go to the right..

 

Do I need to shave the right leading edge of the rudder to get the boat to pull in its natural direction and would this eliminate the zig zagging I have now?

 

Any thoughts or advice appreciated!!

 

Thanks

Brett

[ForrestGump]

Honestly, I'd find the correct rudder for it.

[6balls]

Describe "zig zagging".

[skibumm]

Having the same boat but a 94 I can say that is not normal any zigzagging. It will pull a bit when a skier is deep into the course and mine pulls right when I let go. I would check on getting the correct rudder.

[bclongdrive]

Hi Dave, by zig zagging I mean wandering. It won't go in a straight line just goes left then right slightly above 32mph. I did shave down the right leading edge a bit this aft and the boat now goes to the right if you take the hands off the wheel which is correct. It goes in a straight line perfectly all the way to full speed now. The only issue now is left turns feel very twitchy like the boat gets a little loose. Maybe some weight in the bow? Shane I absolutely would get a new centurion factory rudder for it if I could find one for under $1,000 landed here in Canada... they are an absolute fortune.

 

 

[Razorskier1]

I think you want to be shaving the right trailing edge

[DW]

@bclongdrive: I would go through the classifieds and either find a picture or call on one and get a picture of the rudder. You can then compare, look at what the rudder configuration is and search for one hopefully used. It is most likely commercially available and not a one off design. It does sound like the MC rudder does not have the appropriate surface area or center of pressure to provide good handling. You could also call Centurion and ask them what the correct rudder looks like. Also, check the Marine Hardware catalog to see a variety of rudder options, they supply numerous brands. Good luck.