Boat keeps porpoising.

[Scott Danforth]

I'd read in the owners manual about how you can trim up and get 'optimum fuel economy and speed'

to get optimum fuel economy, you need a fuel flow meter as the setting is dynamic based on engine RPM, load, throttle position, wind, current waves, how dirty your hull is, etc.

regarding the speed - trim up until it starts to porpoise, then bump it down just a bit.

 

[Jimwhall]

to get optimum fuel economy, you need a fuel flow meter as the setting is dynamic based on engine RPM, load, throttle position, wind, current waves, how dirty your hull is, etc.

regarding the speed - trim up until it starts to porpoise, then bump it down just a bit.

I will do that. Pretty much what I was doing, I just expected more 'up' trim.
I'm still getting used to this trim gauge. Looking back at the power head was easier.

As my kids have gotten older, I'm guessing 80% of my boating is now heavily loaded; either A) taking a largeish party to a drop off to swim and hang out, and/or B) taking a smaller party to go tubing.

Both seem to require alot more down trim. I'm okay with that now after reading all the responses. Thank you again everyone!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Quit looking at the gauge, go by feel

 

[JimS123]

Since no one else has suggested it I will. Trim Tabs! If you want to be cheap Smart Tabs will help drastically for sub $200. If you want lots of control go with helm adjustable.
I had a 19’ Stingray that would beat you to death and was slow out of the hole. Bennett M80 sport tabs 100% transformed it!

We had a 19' Stingray as well, and from the factory it would perform quite similar to the OP's problem. I added a set of Perko fixed (but manually adjustable) trim tabs and it cured the problem. Then, I added a Doel Fin and OMG the boat performance was awesome.

Just by odd luck, we had the opportunity to tour the Stingray factory and met Mr. Fink (The Owner) and his Engineering staff. I told him of my experience and he pooh poohed me all the way to dinner that night. Funny thing, the next model year fixed trim tabs were offered as an option.

 

[BWR1953]

Quit looking at the gauge, go by feel

^^^^^THIS!^^^^^

Here's a video showing the basics.

 

[Texasmark]

I know Four Winns is a decent builder but you never know. Get a long straight edge and place it along the undersides of your hull near the back in several locations. Is the hull true? Very common cause of your problem, more common with aluminum, but not unheard of in glass. Could be why the PO sold it.

That is what I was thinking.....hull has a "hook" from sitting on a trailer with inadequate support. But, learning how to drive your boat really has the most to do with it.....pretty much.

 

[dan02gt]

We had a 19' Stingray as well, and from the factory it would perform quite similar to the OP's problem. I added a set of Perko fixed (but manually adjustable) trim tabs and it cured the problem. Then, I added a Doel Fin and OMG the boat performance was awesome.

Just by odd luck, we had the opportunity to tour the Stingray factory and met Mr. Fink (The Owner) and his Engineering staff. I told him of my experience and he pooh poohed me all the way to dinner that night. Funny thing, the next model year fixed trim tabs were offered as an

We had a 19' Stingray as well, and from the factory it would perform quite similar to the OP's problem. I added a set of Perko fixed (but manually adjustable) trim tabs and it cured the problem. Then, I added a Doel Fin and OMG the boat performance was awesome.

Just by odd luck, we had the opportunity to tour the Stingray factory and met Mr. Fink (The Owner) and his Engineering staff. I told him of my experience and he pooh poohed me all the way to dinner that night. Funny thing, the next model year fixed trim tabs were offered as an option.

I owned my Stingray for 5 years before upgrading due to the fact that I boat in rough water often and it would beat you to death. It was fast for sure, but Mr. Fink and his engineering team must boat in a very clam lake to think that the hull design is OK.

 

[JimS123]

I owned my Stingray for 5 years before upgrading due to the fact that I boat in rough water often and it would beat you to death. It was fast for sure, but Mr. Fink and his engineering team must boat in a very clam lake to think that the hull design is OK.

The Stingray plant and water test facilities are on a small inland lake in SC. Google it and you can see how big it is.

We owned our Stingray for 35 years, all that time plying the Great Lakes and the Mighty Niagara River. Surely our new SeaRay rides better than the Stingray, but we were happy with it and the 35 year mark surely confirms that.