lots of water splashing on engine

[kentrx1]

I have a 20' harris pontoon that has a 1994 mariner 60hp engine on it. when it is up to speed (perhaps 18mph) it creates a lot of water splashing on the hood of the engine----much more than the old 60hp engine i had on it. it looks like the design of this mariner has a flat spot on the shaft that is right above where the lower unit bolts on and it shoots water upwards over the engine due to that. i have tried raising and lowering without much help---better when higher, but run into cavitation issues if i get it much more than one hole from the bottom. has anyone else had this issue?

 

[crappie14]

Re: lots of water splashing on engine

I have a 96 Harris (fishing series 20 ft) with a 48 Johnson that the engine cover literally gets soaked at WOT (about 16.5 mph with 1000 lbs on board). I recently purchased this boat so I have yet to find fix for this problem. For other posts I have read they suggest I need to raise the engine and it has signs that it once was mounted higher. Currently it is mounted as low as the transom will allow and the cavitation plate is two inches below the bottom of the aluminum V in front of the engine. The old Johnson does not have power tilt and trim and I have considered the CMC PT130 tilt bracket to move the engine back and give me power tilt/trim. Other than giving the exterior of the motor a good soaking, is this creating any mechanical issues that need to be addressed?

 

[kentrx1]

Re: lots of water splashing on engine

I have been under the impression it can't be good for it-------that much water on the cover has to allow some to get inside. I have tried mine at several different hights....higher is better splash wise, but then it cavitates too easily-----running mine one hole up right now. i am thinking of fabricating a v piece of metal to bolt on to the engine in front of the flat area on the shaft-----just have to find some aluminum to play with.

 

[steelespike]

Re: lots of water splashing on engine

The V is a good idea.A turning point Hustler may allow you to run it higher
and may improve performance slightly