97 fisher planing problem

[Bearclaw68]

Hello, just bought 1997 fisher hawk 160 f/s. Having a hard time getting it to plane out. Takes forever with just my wife and I. Put my 2 sons in and wont plane at all. 97 merc 50hp. Ideas? Once on plane with 2 people top speed 29mph tach @ 4700rpms

 

[NYBo]

Welcome to iBoats! :welcome:

What does Mercury list as the recommended RPM range at wide open throttle? I sure 4700 is too low. Either the motor isn't running right, you are over-propped, the motor is too low in the water, or some combination of these.

 

[jbcurt00]

Your boat is rated for upto a 75hp

At 50hp, your a bit under the 75% of max hp general rule of thumb for recommended hp

a 1997 50hp Merc 4stroke has a recommended max rpm range of @5500-6000rpm

a 97 2stroke has max 5000-5500rpm range

which Merc 4 or 2stroke?

Model Merc? Bigfoot? Short or long shaft?

what prop, pitch/diameter?

 

[WesNewell]

I'm guessing you have a couple of problems. If the engine is mounted too low, it affects top speed, but not getting to plane. If your prop is too much pitch, it affects getting on plane. Your boats dry weight is 825#, so largest pitch prop I'd put on it is a 14P with 2 people. Maybe a 15P with one person. With 4 people, a 12 or 13P. But make sure the engine is mounted at the correct height, and is good running condition before you go changing props.