First boat, first trip out, couple problems

[Kobrakid23]

Hi guys im new to iboats and boating...I just bought a 1974 Glastron Starflite with a Volvo-Penta 130C (i believe thats the model of the motor) with a 270 outdrive...I pulled the prop off to try to find the size and pitch because the prop is pretty damaged but all i got off the old prop was D961 made by Ojohnson can anyone help me out there? And as I said before I am a newbie so this whole planing thing is not completely clear to me...When i took the boat out the rear of the boat stayed sunk like I was just starting to take off but it did it the whole time it didnt feel right to me and the rpm gauge would not go above 3000 usually stayed at about 28...is that normal for this boat? And the last problem is if I let go of the steering wheel for a split second the boat makes a hard turn left (port side right?)...boat has manual steering I believe any pointers in that area would be appreciated too thank you

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

Welcome to the world of boating and to the forum. Sorry, I can't help you on the prop other than to suggest you look in the center hub portion of the prop, either front or back, for specifications. You may have to clean it up a bit with a wire brush to read any numbers which might be there. If not, bring it to a marine supply store. Someone there should be able to help you with specifications. As to the boat pulling to the left (port). On the outdrive there is a short fin just above the prop. That's actually a zinc used for electrolysis contol. It also helps in steering control. It is adjusted by loosening the bolt through the hole above it. It usually requires an allen wrench to do so, 1/4", I believe. If it is "worn down" it should be replaced. I recommend you download manuals for your engine and drive. They can be found elsewhere on this site or on BoaterEd.com. I assume you had the boat checked out before you bought it. If not, I recommend you have a mechanic go through everything and list whatever needs maintenance or repair. Then go out and enjoy your boat. practive handling it, including docking. Good luck. Hy

 

[tistore]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

i have the same boat go check out my post as far as it turning there is a part where the exhaust comes out it might be turned too far so it makes the boat turn. you can see it on my pics on my posts...just look for my boat it's a 74 glastron starflite. if you have any other questions email me as far as the prop goes if you have a 270 stern drive my prop is a 15x17r with 17 spleen short hub. hope this helps

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

Check your trim/tilt . If your outdrive is not going completely down, you will be running with "your nose in the air". the prop, any dockside mechanic should be able to take a quick look and give you pitch/size. also the customer service team here can guide you to a proper fitting prop.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

If the prop is torn up it may be causing you not to get the proper thrust which would make getting on plane pretty tough. I'm not familiar with that boat, but depending on how it was loaded - people, gear, fuel, etc., you may need to move things around a little. On my buddy's 20' CC, if there are more than two people on the boat someone has to move forward to get the boat on plane.

I'd start with the prop, however. I take that back. I'd start with a safe boating course, then take care of the prop.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

Before you spend any more money, you might want to go through the boat with a hammer and ice pick. If the deck and transom are rotted and you're carrying around a few hundred pounds of water, the mechanical issues are the least of your worries at this point.

Here's the checklist for WOT problems: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=295070
That will isolate the engine performance issues for you.

Might want to post a picture of the prop on the shaft to see if the size is even close to what others have for that motor/boat combination. I wasn't aware that Johnson made props for the Vovlo outdrives so having someone else eyeball it for you is a good idea.

The reason you're not getting up on plane is because you're not developing enough speed. Yes, you can move the outdrive positioning bolt forward to help bring the bow down but it's not going to help a lot unless you can get higher speed. And yes, "torque steer" is normal and as others have mentioned. You can rotate the exhaust port/trim tab to help counter the torque. Since it's turning to the left, it means that the outdrive is set up for left hand rotation.

Multiple problems are allways a pain to diagnose so you'll have to concentrate on issues one at a time.

 

[Don S]

Re: First boat, first trip out, couple problems

Guys, this is an old post and the original poster hasn't been back since Sept 23rd.