2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

[team1roperdad]

Good Morning everyone....I finally got the 2001 Q3 running and was able to take it on the lake yesterday for a test drive and this is the things that still puzzle me.
1: hard to get on plane with 3 or 4 adults in the boat.
2: can't trim up very high after I am on plane. It either brings the prop out of the water or it porpoises
3: not much power....could not get it over 40 MPH
Any help would be much appreciated.
Allen

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

Could be a lot of things. Do you have fresh fuel? That would affect power. Is you prop clean with no bent or chipped blades? What engine are you running? What rpm did you reach? Was everyone in the back of the boat? 40mph in a 4 cylinder with 4 good size adults is not so bad especially if everyone is in the back and you can't reach best trim.

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

Just to add to what spdracer said you would benefit from some Smart Tabs. It will help you get on plane better and help your overall handling.

 

[team1roperdad]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

Could be a lot of things. Do you have fresh fuel? That would affect power. Is you prop clean with no bent or chipped blades? What engine are you running? What rpm did you reach? Was everyone in the back of the boat? 40mph in a 4 cylinder with 4 good size adults is not so bad especially if everyone is in the back and you can't reach best trim.

Guys I have siphoned the fuel tank and replaced with fresh fuel, Prop is like new, engine is 3.0 mercruiser less than 200 hour , carb is rebuilt, rpm I believe was around 3-4 everyone was in the back of the boat. I am curious if this boat is going to be enough to pull the kids in a tube or kneeboard or wakeboard.
what are smart tabs?
thanks
Allen

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

That engine should pull a tube, kneeboard or whatever no problem. You might want to try having a couple of people up front to even the weight. You could also try a different propeller to get a quicker holeshot. I attached a link for smart tabs below.

Smart Tabs Trim Tabs

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

If you are going to look into the smart tabs I would purchase the SX model. (Plastic) I think for your boat the 60 lb. tabs are listed for an 18' boat...but I would call Nauticus and ask them which ones are better, they might even say the 40lb. tabs would be better. My boat called for the 80 lb. tabs and I have the 60 lb. tabs installed.

Here is a video of the tabs:

 

[team1roperdad]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

I will be trying a different prop first. I will post what a difference the prop makes after I get it.
Thanks Everyone

Allen

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

A few more things:

Put some Seafoam in the tank to clean out the fuel system. There is no question if you are trying to get on plane even with a boat load of people the tabs will help with that. You might also benefit from a 4 blade prop...you lose a tad of speed on the top end but gain a lot on the hole shot and keeping on plane at slower speeds. (you also won't have to have everyone in the bow to pull up skiers...the tabs help with this too)

Your motor is I believe 135 HP and has a WOT of 4400-4800 RPM with an Alpha One drive is that correct? It might be best to go to the prop section of the forum and ask them about prop size and pitch when you are looking to purchase a prop. If you buy a prop that is too big it will make things worse. I read good things about the Mercury Revolution 4 props.

Here is the link:
http://forums.iboats.com/prop-questions-topics-35/

Here is another link that would be some good reading before purchasing a prop:

http://forums.iboats.com/prop-quest...ps-performance-ss-versus-aluminum-369057.html
Good luck...let us know what you decided to get and how it works for you!

 

[magicman1223]

Re: 2001 Q3 first test on the lake results.

My 2001 Q3 with the 125 mercury outboard will get just to 40 on a good day with 4 adults. Also I seem to get on plane pretty quick. Is the prop spun?