Need some advice....

[jhawk73]

Bought a Penn Yan 218 classic last fall. First time out with it and slightly disappointed. It takes forever to plane, only reaching 3000 rpm trying to plane, once up it gets to 3500-3600 rpm. It has a 230 hp 305 gm mercruiser with alpha 1 drive. I fit it with a 15hp 2 stroke kicker, that has added some weight to the stern, it porpouses pretty bad without trim tabs down slightly while on plane and without the trim tabs I don't think it would plane at all. it has a 14 dia 19 pitch 3 blade prop. The 305 should be at 4200 wot it gives no indication it is down on power and has good manners, that said I am considering propping down. I am curious of the 4 blade props for their ability to plane faster and cruise at slower speeds and considering a hydroplane fin. What does everyone think? I am new to boating and fishing is my main concern, speed to plane and a slow cruise for fuel consumption with maximum control is my preference. I hope I am not expecting miracles? Please let me know what you would do...Thanks for your time.

 

[jhawk73]

Re: Need some advice....

Come on guys, help out a new guy. I checked today and the floatation foam appears dry, I checked for exhaust obstructions (lost shutter valves). What do you guys think of going with a solaras amita 4 with a 14.5 dia. 17 pitch. a little more rpm and stern lift? Has anyone ever constructed trim tab extensions for more lift to plane on

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Need some advice....

I would try to find someone that has a similar boat to see what they are getting for top speed. I would also check the gear ratio and figure out what your slip rate and theoretical top speed would be. it could just be that you're overpropped for the gear ratio that someone installed on the boat and once you go to a smaller pitch prop, then engine will get up in rpms where it will make more power. I would shoot for higher than 4200 max rpm. Also, running a vented prop can help a lot off the line - it lets the prop slip and the engine wind up more right from the beginning where it has a bit more power. It'll never be a speed demon, but it should do a good bit better than you're seeing out of it now. Do you know how fast you were going when you had it running wide open?

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Need some advice....

The RPM's speak, and they're much too low. It almost sounds as if you're down on power. You first need to have a diagnostic check on the motor--including timing and compression.

Are you doing this? Start off with your motor trimmed down all the way. As it planes off, punch the out button and raise the outdrive until the boat rocks gently. Then tap the down button slightly, and the bouncing should stop. You shouldn't have to use trim tabs to get on plane if your outdrive is all the way down.

I cannot help you on the 4 blade prop, as I don't have any experience with anything but a 3 blade.

I suggest finding a good prop shop to purchase your prop from, and using their expertise. They may be willing to let you demo numerous props and return the non-performers.

Suggestion: Add your address and boat description and pictures, and you'll get more and better replies on this Forum.