First Launch....First Tow

[ketron47]

My first boat and first time out. Boat= 1972 Invader trihull fiberglass (15'6" x 5' 5"). Engine= 1971 Evinrude, Model 60173E, 60hp, 3 cyl with Selectric shift. Motor started up and ran just find. Whether in Forward or Reverse the boat only moves at approx 1.3mph; giving it more throttle had not effect on speed. Tilt was set in lowest position (tried other positions). The prop is moving the water and seems to increase in volume as throttle is increased. Is there any way to check for prop slippage with the motor out of water??? Is it possible there is a malfunction in the Selectric shift?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: First Launch....First Tow

Did the engine RPMS pick up but not speed?<br /><br />If so, it's almost definitely a spun prop. If it's bad enough, you can sometimes check it on the trailer. Get someone to hold the flywheel from turning while you try to turn the propeller. If it spins, it's spun. You can verify that with the marks trick if you want.<br />Boat key will have to be in the 'OFF' position (or in your back pocket if you value your fingers.)<br /><br />I don't think there's any possible way it can happen with your hydroelectric shift. It's entirely possible on selectric shift outboards, but yours isn't one.

 

[ketron47]

Re: First Launch....First Tow

Thanks Paul. Just came back from the shop and noticed two things: #1 The prop freely turns by hand about 1/3 turn, is this normal? #2 I found the lower unit oil can, which was SAE 80W-90, which is a NONO!!!!!! I only randomly ran the engine for a total of about 10 minutes...is that enough to cause any damage? THANKS

 

[ketron47]

Re: First Launch....First Tow

Thanks Paul. Just came back from the shop and noticed two things: #1 The prop freely turns by hand about 1/3 turn, is this normal? #2 I found the lower unit oil can, which was SAE 80W-90, which is a NONO!!!!!! I only randomly ran the engine for a total of about 10 minutes...is that enough to cause any damage? THANKS Don't have a Tach.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: First Launch....First Tow

#1 Yes, that's perfectly normal.<br />#2 Don't worry, it'll only cause slow shifting on the hydroelectric shift. It's only on the Selectric shift that is causes serious problems, and that can be rectified by replacing it with the correct fluid.<br /><br />But it sounded like that right?