Couldn't get boat to plane

[rsymes2k]

Hey all,

took the boat out for the first time this season and couldn't get it up on the plane?

Engine was full power but we just had the bow in the air the whole bloody time!

Any ideas? We did have a load of water in the transom when we got back, but I would've thought it would still plane with a mercury 150 on the back of a phantom 16?

 

[QC]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

OK . . . well I have moved this to boat topics. Since you have decided that the engine is good so far it seems like a good place to start.

How did the boat run last year? Do you have that history? How much water and in there for how long? Condition of the bottom? Propeller pitch? Condition? Do you know how to trim properly for planing?

Let's try and eliminate some basic issues to see if it still points to the engine. I agree though, a 150 should plane a 16 footer filled with concrete.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

I agree. Usually that is a sign of saturated wood and foam, but that seems like a lot of power to that size boat. I would check out the deck and transom and see if there are any soft spots.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

The load of water seems like a key suspect here, definately check your foam.

Jack the front of the trailer up and pull the plug and see how long it takes to quit dripping, if it is more than a couple hours I would look at your foam.

Soaked foam can add hundreds of pounds to a boat and make them do funny things.

And QC has a good question, the boat is new to you or you ran it last year?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

The water is suspect and the reason for it's existence should be investigated. But, as QC said, that motor should be able to plane a boat carrying concrete. I would check the prop for slippage or damage.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

where were the passengers sitting. load balance is necessary.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

Engine was full power but we just had the bow in the air the whole bloody time!

Do you recall the engine RPM at WOT? (Considering a potential prop problem)

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

The last time I saw this, the drive was trimmed up, forcing the bow to be high. They had to stand to see over the bow.

 

[rsymes2k]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

I had it trimmed right down, 4 of us in the boat...

Might just need a good ol dry out do ya think?

it was doing 5000rpm WOT

Prop slippage? Just bought the boat as a bit of a project for the summer so any help appreciated!

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

From your last reply, are you asking what prop slippage is? If so, here it is. Older motors used a shear pin, designed to snap if the prop hit an object. Newer props are designed with a layer of rubber between the center and the blades to absorb the shock. This rubber can break away, causing slippage.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

From your last reply, are you asking what prop slippage is? If so, here it is. Older motors used a shear pin, designed to snap if the prop hit an object. Newer props are designed with a layer of rubber between the center and the blades to absorb the shock. This rubber can break away, causing slippage.

To check for slippage, align two marks on the prop inside and outside the rubber. If the prop is not slipping, the marks will stay aligned after use, if it is slipping they will move relative to each other.

If the prop is slipping it is not turning at the same speed as the motor (you say the motor is turning 5K, but you prop may be turning at half that if the rubber is spun).

 

[rsymes2k]

Re: Couldn't get boat to plane

hmm ok, does sound a bit like it could be that?

I've pulled the bung out and silicone sealed the housing back in just to be on the safe side.

ive not even looked at the prop yet but does anyone have a pic of exactly what to look at - when you say align two marks - are they already on there or do I need to make a couple of marks?

Cheers again guys
Rob