My friend bought a used Maxum 18' boat. The seller gave him the original prop and told him that he had installed an aftermarket prop 17 degrees for pulling skiers and that it made it harder to steer. We took the boat out for the first time this weekend and it was pretty hard to steer. My friend was going to put the original prop back on, but I dont understand why the prop would make it hard to steer??? <BR> <BR>Also what are the horizontal fins that extend out of the gearcase for? And what is the purpose of getting aftermarket fins?? Would these make it harder to steer. <BR> <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Check the boat out of the water for steering. If it moves easily, you are OK. If the boat pull strongly to one side, you can adjust the trim tab to offset the pull. You still will have torque steer due to the rotation of the prop against the water. <BR> <BR>The horizontal fins prevent ventilation - sucking air around the prop. The bolt on fins allow the trim of the motor to exert more force on the motor housing. Kind of like a wing. It make trim more sensitive and the boat will get on plane at slow speeds.