Bass Boat

Question
I have a 2000 Nitro LX dual console 17'11" bass boat w/90hp Mercury 2 stroke.  Bought boat used.  First time out I tried everything out...While crusing at 30mph (2/3 throttle)gave the boat the final 1/3 throttle and boat pulled hard left and felt like it was going to fly off the water?  Boat was not over loaded on left side. Any ideas? what causes this?

Answer
Hello Rick...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

It's quite an unusual situation, but I suspect the possibility there may be water within the very bottom bilge area, which may not be accessible. Check water content with a moisture meter. When you accelerate the prop is turning toward the left side of the boat, causing it to list to that side, and in turn, any water within the bilge will flow to the port side of the hull. As for the boat "flying off the water" at the same time it pulls hard to the left, I find those combined characteristics difficult to comprehend. Also, below the cavitation plate you'll see a small fin-shaped device, which affects your steering, and it may require adjustment. While at planing speed, take your hands off the steering wheel and see which way the boat has a tendancy to turn. If it turns right, turn the small fin slightly to the left and repeat until the boat steers straight without your assistance.

Safe Boating
Ron