BF15A low power/low RPM's

[Scoffer]

Hi All...just got this from a family member. I have a Honda BF15A (BAAL-207344) motor on a J14 Carolina Skiff. Tiller handle style. I was told that this boat would really scoot with 2-3 people easy on it with this motor. I have yet to see this. <br />Prop says 9.5 X 9.5 240 X 240. But even with just me in the boat, it takes a bit of time to get on plane and still only barely scoots. RPM's sound really low (no guages), but with even 1 more person onboard, I can not get to plane. It just chugs along. Like I have too small a motor on the boat....but do I?<br /><br />I've done the basics: New plugs, new gas and filter, new oil, dis-assemble carb and soaked in carb cleaner over night, cleaned all the electrical contacts I can find. And a new water pump assembly. I see carb is opening all the way, I pump the ball while in motion, and spray a bit of ether in the carb but if anything, bogs down more. I see NO timing advance hardware on this motor. (CDI ?) <br /><br />Starts, idles, and seems to "run" fine, no dieing, spitting, or sputtering. My real question is: Is this all this motor has? Am I asking for more than it can do.<br /><br />Or is there a problem. If so, any ideas what to check? pumps water ok, nice revving of engine in idle. Kinda lost on what to do, and realy shy on dollars right now..<br /><br />TIA<br /><br />Scoffer

 

[jnygaard]

Re: BF15A low power/low RPM's

Scoffer,<br />Sounds familiar. I have the same egine and the same basic setup - purchased new in 2001. My boat is an Alumacraft 14.5 ft. fishing boat that weighs about 450# dry. I thought this 15 would be a good all around motor for running as well as trolling but the top end performance has never been very good. Over the years I've tried different props and have done all the things you've done and have gotten the same results you have. It's a sweet motor but I've concluded that I'm just expecting too much from it. For a while I just decided to live with it, but finally had enough. My solution: I just bought a new Honda 20 and hope to get just enough more top end performance to be satisfactory without losing too much trolling ability. I hate monkeying with electric trolling motors, batteries, chargers, etc. and the extra weight that goes with it so still hope that one motor can take care of all my needs. I may be dreaming - stay tuned.

 

[Scoffer]

Re: BF15A low power/low RPM's

thanks 210....It is kinda weird..I truly don't believe my motor is getting close to the RPMs it should....but maybe it's the way it is.<br /><br />A new 30hp 2 stroke will be my next one....<br /><br />as soon as I win that darn lottery thingy!!!<br /><br />Scoffer

 

[tgissel]

Re: BF15A low power/low RPM's

you should be able to use a dwell meter, to see if you are acheiving the WOT. I have a BF7.5 Honda and it seems to move pretty good, not a snappy little two stroke by any means, but fuel economy and idle is more important to me.