Interesting reading here, brings back memories if my youth from the late 50's thru mid 60's. I learned to ski on a 14' tinnie with an 18 up outboard and got up with no problem as did my 150# brother. Dad could pull two of us behind his 16' Lyman and 35 hp outboard. I read about today's V-8...
On my setup, I tilt the main motor up to create less drag with the prop out and just the skag in the water, you won't turn on a dime but plenty of steering for trolling. If tighter steering is needed just lower the main motor.
Power trim and tilt is great when trying to get max performance from your boat and motor, but the after market stuff ain't cheap ! So...how bad do you want to get the absolute most out of your outfit ? How much HP are you dealing with? For the cost, you might consider trading motors for one...
According to the mfgr, all adjustments from fuel mixture , idle speed etc should be made while in water, in gear and underway at idle. Recommended idle speed is 600-650 rpm. You need good spark to reach these rpms. With a weak spark, it will stall out.
Smart move, hate to bring bad news, but just trying to save you some serious headaches down the road. Older glass boats are sun catchers for first time boat owners, can be pretty but often a pile of junk someone is trying to unload. Someone that has really maintained their boat and motor will...
Fuel stabilizer should be added with each filling when only being used ocassionally. Gonna bet you have some poor fuel issues. I would start with a tank of fresh treated fuel !
Poster mentioned he had not added any fuel in some time, so...is the tank contaminated with water ? Does the owner add any fuel stabilizer to his
fuel ? No matter how the boat is stored, the rubber hoses have a limited life expectancy and need replaced at least every 10 years or sooner. Boat...
Then that would indicate you are under propped ( less pitch than needed) but....until we have exact numbers any recommendation would be just a guess. Serious boaters realize guesses cost us money in the long run..
I used that as a magic trick whenever we had kids on board. Find that sweet spot and the boat would go left then right all while I had my hands in my pockets !! Kids and adults always got a kick out of my magic steering..