Originally Posted by
zul8tr
The prop thrust force (vector for the math folks) is generally not in the same direction as the centerline of the prop shaft. The direction of that force vector is in 3 D space and its direction is dependent on forces generated on the prop of: water thrust, lift and drag that are related to prop depth, prop shaft angle (trim), prop blade design (pitch, rake, shape, diameter), lower unit shape and other factors. When you trim the prop shaft you change the direction of the prop thrust force and a net change in the other forces results in the boat to veer off course. Trimmed in (depending of prop rotation) the net thrust force is say left of the prop shaft centerline (and will pull right) and trimmed out the net thrust force is the opposite direction (to pull left). The difference can be small or large depending on many variables (some noted above). Ideally the net thrust force needs to be close in direction to the prop shaft centerline, not easy to do. For a more complete detailed description of the forces I can provide the interested with some tech articles that I used back in the days when working at a marine research facility from the "Naval Engineers Journal" and "The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers" on the work they did on surface piercing semi submersible props.