JP,

It sounds like the gear is badly misaligned. At least that's the first thing I'd check. I've been flying my LNC2 since '93 (granted it's an early 235, but they aren't all that much different especially on the ground) and have never had the problems you describe. Further, the rudder control authority on my airplane is way more than adequate - in fact, I almost never use more than a touch for any flight regime other than to maintain coordination on the relatively slow-flight turns during the landing phase.

On take-off, I usually need only a slight tap or two of right brake to maintain the center line until I get up to about 40 - 50 MPH when the rudder becomes effective.

Assuming the airframe is straight and properly rigged (something that could be hard to fix if it isn't), I would double check the main gear alignment, check whether the left brake and/or wheel bearing is dragging, and last but not least, whether the engine centerline is oriented correctly - i.e., aligned straight ahead or a couple of degrees to the right (from behind).

I have always felt that the LNC2 (at least mine) was very benign on take-off and landing in regards to tracking the center-line of the runway.

Regards,

Dan Schaefer