Taking it out for the first time !

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brunowren

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
60
Well I got my boat a 75 Tropicana 18' Open Box Tri-Hull w/ a Merc-Cruiser 120 I/O... Got the tilt/trim fixed since the old owner put the hoses on one ram on backwards! (Duh) Anyway on a tri-hull will it get on plane?<br /><br />I have never had a boat with the power trim. What is the best way to learn to utilize this for maximum performance.<br /><br />The boat has some trim boat attachment on the bottom of the Transom and I found the plates in the boat. (Not sure how they connect ) <br /><br />and I think my prop is to big :eek: But I will see Have not measured it yet but a buddy with a 350 in his said his was this big! (maybe it's just prop envey I dont know! :rolleyes: ) <br /><br /><br />Thanks
 
V

vipzach

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 15, 2005
Messages
1,283
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Yes it will get on plane, given that every thing is setup right. When you first take off start with the drive trimmed all the way down, once on plane begin to raise the trim up. You will beable to tell when it is to high (bow will bounce alot). It is something that is different on every boat, but with practice you will master it. Just start with it trimmed down. As for the prop size you just have to get it on the water and see what your WOT is. The determine if the prop is correct.
 
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brunowren

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
60
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Great thanks Vipzach.. I am really looking forward to this! Look out jetskiers here I come !
 
M

mattttt25

Commander
Joined
Sep 29, 2002
Messages
2,661
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

most importantly, just have fun (i guess being safe is important, too).
 
O

OLDSPUD

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 13, 2004
Messages
348
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

never driven a tri hull, I suppose there quite sturdy. <br /><br />the most important things to remember are:<br />the keys and the the plug,<br />You'll be a pro before long. If your a new boater, its kinda fun to keep a journal of all the dumb things that happen, like all the ramp experiences coming your way. <br />Don't worry, everyone here has done it before, so if you have trouble, its cool.<br /><br />Spud
 
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brunowren

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
60
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Thanks everyone for the info ! I have a small 12' aluminum fishing boat I take out all the time with a outboard but this is my first "Real Boat" I guess you would say... I am sure the loading and unloading will be different! Wow I get to drive it on the trailer ! lol Or I guess the wife does since she cant back up the trailer! OMG ! this should be fun! ! Watch for me on Americas Funniest Home Videos!
 
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vipzach

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 15, 2005
Messages
1,283
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

I backed the trailer in a for a while and let my wife watch what I did and how to do it. Then I sat in the boat and had her try it a few times. She is getting better only a couple of misses, but heck I still miss every once in awhile. Good luck!
 
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wormgear

Cadet
Joined
Mar 31, 2005
Messages
6
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

I have a similar boat, i have a 1973 starcraft capri with a 140 merc I/O it is a 17' tri hull.<br />the one thing that i learned when starting out is to nail the throttle all the way to get up on plane fast (with drive trimmed down) then you can throttle down and trim it.<br />I think with that engine it should run at about 4000 RPM at full throttle with the correct prop. <br />The tri hull is a nice hull but kinda bouncy in rough water but it is very clean and also was very cheap. <br /><br />When i get more time i will admit to my dumbest ramp event that occured last saturday. <br />no one hurt and learned a good lesson.<br /><br />Mike
 
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brunowren

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
60
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Well Worm that what worries me ! The last owner said it was having a problem with WOT and would die... Says it will run all day at 3/4 but die at WOT... Said it had old gas, he got it all out , new fuel pump, new fuel , carbs look clean, says he forgot the filter in the carb so I need to do that... <br /><br />So just worried if I slam it down WOT and Keplut ! Might take it easy at first
 
woosterken

woosterken

Lieutenant
Joined
May 18, 2005
Messages
1,431
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Hey Brunowren,Like the others said hold the trim button till the drive is all the way down.Give her the gas!! WATCH WHATS IN FRONT OF YOU SHE WILL PICK UP THE BOW ( sorry don't know how to underline) then when she gets on plane then push the trim button up to keep her there. I have a 1974 MFG tri hull I/O<br />120 hp. make sure every thing is tied down she will ride ruff in others wake.hope this helps.<br />ken
 
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wormgear

Cadet
Joined
Mar 31, 2005
Messages
6
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

I also had problems with the engine dieing at full throttle, if i eased it slowly to full throttle it would run all day at full. but from a dead stop it would die or sputter bad. a mechanic at the local marina suggested a new accellerator pump and that did the trick. the rebuild kit cost $21.00<br />MIke
 
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brunowren

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
60
Re: Taking it out for the first time !

Great thanks for all the info! Gonna change the Lower gear lube Sat and hit the lake Sunday :) Whoooo Got to try out the new Minkota Power Drive to....
 
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