Boat won't plane, trim tabs might be stuck

[vtx1]

Hey everyone

Having trouble getting the boat to plane, when I push the throttle the engine starts to stall out and makes a noise that doesn't sound good. I think the trim tabs are stuck in the up position. I have a trim tab gauge and it says they are down for both engines. What are my options to attempt to fix this while the boat is in the water? 2006 Four Winns Vista 288

Thanks for the help

 

[alldodge]

First find out if the tabs are up or down and let us know.

Next, what is your motor serial number?

 

[Davetowz]

I don't think trim will make the engine stall. Nosedive on holeshot, yes. I would think the not good sounding noise needs diagnosed first. Watch the tabs while someone runs with switch to see if they are working.

 

[KJM]

I agree that the problem seems to be your motor. A stalling motor won't get you on plane whether the trim tabs are working or not!

 

[vtx1]

I agree that the problem seems to be your motor. A stalling motor won't get you on plane whether the trim tabs are working or not!

Just to clarify, the boat runs at cruising speed no problem (anything less than 10 knots). Which is fine because I only use it to leisurely cruise around anyway. But if I ever wanted to pick up some speed, I encounter the problem. Do you still think it's the engine?

 

[KJM]

Just to clarify, the boat runs at cruising speed no problem (anything less than 10 knots). Which is fine because I only use it to leisurely cruise around anyway. But if I ever wanted to pick up some speed, I encounter the problem. Do you still think it's the engine?

Yes, if the engine is stalling and making odd noise when you increase throttle then you have some kind of engine problem and I would get that fixed. As for the trim tabs, like others said, just use the switch while docked or on trailer, to put them up and down and go back and look to see if indeed they are up or down. Not sure if she should plane at 10 knots, maybe thats just too slow, esp if she is heavily loaded?

 

[Davetowz]

In short. Yes.

 

[Scott06]

Just to clarify, the boat runs at cruising speed no problem (anything less than 10 knots). Which is fine because I only use it to leisurely cruise around anyway. But if I ever wanted to pick up some speed, I encounter the problem. Do you still think it's the engine?

Yes sounds like you need some maintenance on the engine. Cruising at 10 knots doesn’t take any power Getting on plane does.
what noise is it making and what engine do you have would look at fuel delivery and ignition system issues

 

[QBhoy]

Sounds like you have water in the fuel or something else going on. Is it a popping noise it makes ?