2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

[jkes1958]

I have a 2008 Mako 234 Center Console with a Suzuki DF250 with very low hours as it was a left over from Bass Pro. I have several issues and I think this may be why the model was discontinued and reintroduced.

With a full fuel load (160 gallons) and 4 people on board, the boat struggles to get on plane (it is rated for 300 HP) and it handles like a pig especially it choppy water. The quality seems good but I wonder if this boat has an inherent design flaw since being owned by Bass Pro.

It is propped right and gets the right RPM (6100) but will only run 35-38 MPH. With a half full load and 2 people, it will hit 41 which still seems slow to me.

Any comments or suggestions as this boat just does not handle or perform right?

John K

 

[bman72]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

You're boat would probably be a great candidate for these. iboats sells them and actually has the best price I have found anywhere. They are having a big sell on them right now too. You can google them and read tons of info on them. Or just search the forums here and read all the info you want. I just bought them for my boat as well.
Smart Tabs II Trim Tabs

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

I'd get trim tabs not smarttabs.

But are you manipulating your trim when getting on a plane? Are your passengers in the stern? Do you need to run the tank full? That's a lot of weight.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

250 hp should be enough even with a heavy load. You should have already experimented with trimming the motor. Check into Lenco or Bennett trim tabs? I prefer Lenco but Bennett are very popular-- different adjustment methods for the same result.

 

[jkes1958]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

Guys:

I have tried both the engine trim and the Bennett Trim Tabs currently on the boat. Engine trimmed all the way in and the tabs all the way down and it still does not plane as well as I think it should. Also, when on plane, when I try to trim the engine out, it cavitates very easily with the big fuel load as the fuel alone weighs right at 900 pounds but I don't think it should make that much difference.

I have moved people around and of course it will plane better with people in the bow. I hear you on do I need to have a full fuel load and I don't, but it just happened that way this time.

I may be doing something wrong but I don't think so thats why I am asking the question if anyone has had any experience with this hull.

I know one thing, I will never run more than a half tank if I can help it and the DF250 is very fuel efficient.

I will check into the Smart Tabs II but I am not sure what they will gain over the Bennetts that are on the boat.

Thanks for the suggestions and send more if you have any ideas!!

 

[bman72]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

That smart tabs won't be any benefit to you over the trim tabs you have now. The trim tabs are a much better setup for your boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

sounds like you're trimmnig too low?

I can't trouble shoot your methods unless you describe what's happening: plows level, stern drags w/ bow up at angle, what?

I have a 21' CC deep V and also find that I can trim the bow some with the PTT but it isn't long that I feel like it's catching some air.

A painted bottom may cost you about 2-4 MPH from my experience.

 

[Tabman]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

jkes1958,

Are the Trim Tabs on your Mako mounted on the Transom, or recessed in pockets under the hull? Can you tell me what size they are? A picture would be great if possible.

A am assuming that the Trim Tabs are functioning properly. Have you visually checked to see if they are moving correctly?

 

[Charlie in TX]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

I have a similar (size, weight, fuel, motor recommendation) a HydraSports 2396. It is 24', 5000 pounds dry, 178 gal fuel, 350hp max. Many were equipped with 250hp Evinrude. Many people report 50mph with that setup. I have twin 150 HPDIs. Twins will have more drag and have a lower top end. I am currently over propped, my WOT is 41+ at 44oorpm.

My only reason for describing my boat is to ask, Is your motor running properly? I think you should be getting on plane relitively easily and WOT at in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

"It is propped right and gets the right RPM (6100) but will only run 35-38 MPH. With a half full load and 2 people, it will hit 41..."

Are you sure it's propped right and how do you know? 6100 sounds high to me; just guessing.

I tested about 8 props all within a close range and found difference in each at hole shot, top end and mid-speed cruising; one prop doesn't do them all; it's a compromise.

35-41 isn't a bad functioning speed for a deep V center console but most coastal boaters aren't concerned about top end b/c we seldom run that fast.

Did it used to work OK and has gotten worse? could be you dropped a cylinder or two--but that would be contary to the high RPM's.

Describe your hole shot or what you mean about the problem getting on a plane

 

[jestor68]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

I don't think your motor is doing that bad. Since it's WOT operating range is 5800-6100, and the prop slip calculator says with a 2.29 gear ratio and 17 pitch prop @ 6100 rpm yields a theoretical speed of 43 mph, and 38 mph at 12% slip.

What type of prop are you running? Dia and pitch? With that gear ratio, you should be running at least 15.5" diameter props. I see that Susuki's props are 16" dia, so they should provide good thrust for getting on plane.

What is the motor height on the transom? The AV plate should be about even with the bottom.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 2008 Mako 234CC Handling Issues

Speed sounds about right to me. The nature of the beast
Playing - Mako 234 Center Console (2012-) - | Boat Trader | Powered By BoatTest.com

I run a 22? Grady Walkaround. #3400 dry, almost #5,800 when fueled up. With a full load of fuel, I am lucky to see 30 kts. With two people and a half load of fuel, I am good for about 35 kts.

FWIW: I?m running a 4 blade Stainless prop (17 x 14) w/ 12x12 Bennett tabs