My wife and I purchased a new 400TF last July and although we love the style and other features of the boat, we were and continue to be very disappointed in the boats handling. From day one, the boat has, with minimal trim on the outdrive, excessive porpoising. Also, if there is a bit of a chop on the lake, the boat seems to skip or bounce off the waves rather than cut through or glide over them. It can be a very rough ride.
We mentioned this to the retailer, Bass Pro's, and was advised to at least get the engine through the 20hr break-in before making any changes to the boat. Needless to say, by the end of the season, we had completed the break-in. Now with the new season upon us, the retailer wishes to take the boat to the lake themselves to see why it has such poor handling. Initially, we did make a prop change from a 19 pitch to a 17 but of course this did nothing to improve the ride and dropped the speed a bit.
Our first trip on the water so far this season was on 4/15/16 and with a calm surface, and very conservative trim on the outdrive, the issue of course still persists. The boat has a Merc in-line 3.0 -4cyl with an Alpha 2.0 drive. Top speed so far is about 34mph/4500rpm.
My suggestion to the Power Pros at Tracker Marine was to install some Smart Tabs on the boat but they are reluctant to do so just yet. They suggested another prop change and possibly a "whale tail" installed on the outdrive. They have been tasked from the factory with operating the boat as well as taking some measurements on the hull and outdrive.
From everything I have read though, the Smart Tabs seem to be the best option at this point. Are there other 400TF owners experiencing the same issues? If so, have you corrected it and how? Thx.
We mentioned this to the retailer, Bass Pro's, and was advised to at least get the engine through the 20hr break-in before making any changes to the boat. Needless to say, by the end of the season, we had completed the break-in. Now with the new season upon us, the retailer wishes to take the boat to the lake themselves to see why it has such poor handling. Initially, we did make a prop change from a 19 pitch to a 17 but of course this did nothing to improve the ride and dropped the speed a bit.
Our first trip on the water so far this season was on 4/15/16 and with a calm surface, and very conservative trim on the outdrive, the issue of course still persists. The boat has a Merc in-line 3.0 -4cyl with an Alpha 2.0 drive. Top speed so far is about 34mph/4500rpm.
My suggestion to the Power Pros at Tracker Marine was to install some Smart Tabs on the boat but they are reluctant to do so just yet. They suggested another prop change and possibly a "whale tail" installed on the outdrive. They have been tasked from the factory with operating the boat as well as taking some measurements on the hull and outdrive.
From everything I have read though, the Smart Tabs seem to be the best option at this point. Are there other 400TF owners experiencing the same issues? If so, have you corrected it and how? Thx.
I just need to adjust and get used to that. I do plane faster and at slower speeds and eliminated my chine walking. Overall, I'm satisfied with the tabs.