Ebbtide 214 SE Review

[kobe]

OK here goes...

2010 Ebbtide 214 SE
5.0 L MPI Mercruiser 260 HP

Just figured I would give my opinion on this boat and will be interested in seeing response. This is my first IO and what a beast - instantly jumps on plane on hammer down and I mean instantly - 3 to 5 seconds max. Agile as all get out - digs really well and turns on a dime.

Hit 59 mph on the gps with three adults and 140 liters of fuel, only for a few seconds as I am only in the break-in period. no problem busting 60 MPH after break-in. What really impressed me was how quiet she was, even at WOT it was incredibly quiet and smooth.

Only thing I didn't like was that there seemed to be a bad bow steer at very low speeds (coming to the dock). I tried different trim heights but there was very little difference - strange thing she doesn't sit on the bow but more to the stern - it should be that bow steering wouldn't really be a factor - any suggestions on this?

so far I am really impressed with the boat and can't wait to run her again.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ebbtide 214 SE Review

Sweet!

Low-speed wander is a problem with many -hull boats. There is a tendency to over-correct with the helm, so that's the first thing to do: turn the wheel only a little bit. Trim tabs or Smart Tabs often help, too.

 

[kobe]

Re: Ebbtide 214 SE Review

Thanks for the reply NYBo - I have done some checking and I agree it seems to be related to the deep-v and I/O's. The other boats I have owned have had a keel and never had this issue. Next time out, I will play with it some more and see if I can make it less noticeable with small corrections.

One thing I did read though, said that just the installation of a stainless steel bow/keel protector would also help slightly because it adds a little bit of extra drag at low speeds. Might be worth trying and it will also protect my bow a little better when we go ashore.