Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

[jiminmontana]

Hello! I got my old 1958 Seagull running and the forward gear engaged. With a 35 hp, 1958 Evi on the back, I only had the nerve to go half throttle. At around 15 mph, the nose was raised up significantly. Pics are on my blog: http://jiminmontana.wordpress.com/ called Ann's boat. I'm 280 and sitting about 1 foot behind center -- seems like the weight is rather aft of center.

The boat is about 13 feet long by 5 feet wide. Seats 4 with a bench in the back. Lots of bow space - almost half. The transom seems to be in good shape, but I am wondering how much stress is going to be on the mounts if I put all the power to it. Were no leaks at 15 mph. Took no water and bilge was dry.

What is the procedure for testing out a really old boat? Since the trim is the mechanical pin type, how do I know what setting is best? I bet there is a thread somewhere to cover these 2 issues. I do not want to hear the transom explode behind me!

Thanks SO much guys -- folks here have been great!

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Jim,
Take it slow and easy. How long since the boat has been in the water?? Please clearify, is it wood or fiberglass??

The trim pin should be in the hole closest to the transom. I believe with a little more throttle she will start to come up on plane and the bow will drop down so you can see where your going.

I am more interested in the last time that old outboard was ran. You must make darn sure that she is getting cooling water!!!! Otherwise it will overheat and ruin the powerhead.

Before you put it in the water again, test it on a garden hose. At idle, you should see water coming out of the exhaust. I wouldn't rev it up over idle. The head should feel warm to the touch. You should be able to keep your hand on it for about 15 to 20 seconds.

There is an excellent submission in the FAQ section here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

It addresses waking up an engine that hasn't been run in a while.

Best of luck to you!!
Happy boating!!

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Jim, to test out the transom, when it's on the trailer put your foot on the engines anti-ventilation plate and put a lot of weigh on it. The transom should not flex more than 1/4 inch. I don't think I'd stand on it since you're at 280, but step on it pretty good.

At half throttle, displacement speed, you were putting a pretty good load on the transom already.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

No offense, but I wouldn't put a 35 hp big twin on a 13 foot boat. I wouldn't go more than 20 to 25 hp on a rig that size. The big twin weighs in around 100 to 110 lbs. Add in the gas tank for another 35-40 lbs. and then operator at 280 lbs....all in the back half of a 13-footer. I'm a BOB (big ol boy) too, so I would think about less hp on the transom and move the gas tank up front in the bow...maybe the battery, too, if there is one. Rule of thumb on the old pin trim is tuck it in to raise the bow and trim it out to put the bow down. You want the prop shaft on whatever outboard you're running to be parallel with the keel of the boat in an ideal situation. I wouldn't step on the anti-ventilation plate, just flex/rock the outboard a little to see if the transom gives.

 

[DJ]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

if there is one. Rule of thumb on the old pin trim is tuck it in to raise the bow and trim it out to put the bow down. .

Actually, it's just the opposite of that.

You'll never plane it with too much weight aft.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

you should be fine with that motor. my guess is the boat was actually rated for 40-45hp. the nose will initially go high until it gets over the wave the bow makes. Then it should plane out. I had a glasspar lido with a 33hp. it was about 13.5ft as well with a 65 inch beam (transom was about 60 inches at the widest point). Also, was the 15mph gps speed? If it wasn't, you may not have reached planing speed as the speedo is likely off. The glasspar I had planed about 12mph. With the 35hp, it should get the boat on plane pretty quickly, but you'll likely need more throttle than just going half.

For your trim, I would start it at the second to the last hole closest to the transom. If it's too close to the transom, it may get you up faster, but you will be digging into the water when on plane and will not get the best performance.

Also, because it is an older motor, as someone else mentioned, be sure the motor is pumping water.

As for checking the transom, do as someone else said, making sure the transom is not moving more than a 1/4 inch. Also, you may want to tap the transom with a hammer to make sure you don't have any soft spots.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

.it depends on the manufacturer id think.a friend brought a lovely glass boat over to a buddies house and we were admiring the little guy (14 foot) ,nice small boat ! just for grins i looked at the rating plate ,guess what ?80hp!ive seen boats similar with the old 40,s on them(your boat).let say worse case scenario the transom is rotted,not a big deal, you can build a new one in a day if your handy.good luck, those fin boats are cool looking .

 

[royal0014]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

35hp is fine on that boat, if the transom is good. My 14' fiberglass has a 40hp hanging out back

Move as much weight forward as you can, start with the pin in the second hole, and hammer on it!

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Thanks so much guys! I had a crack in the pressure line that moves the diaphram on the fuel pump, so I had to hand prime the deal. But I got her up on plane for a few minutes and gps said I was going 37 mph. Felt great! But then I got in the chop of another boat's wake and wimped out. Plus, I forgot to keep squeezing!

I coaght a 3 pound rainbow on a 1" orange grub with a white head just above Hauser Dam and praised the Lord for a sweet afternoon.

Water in the LU. Seal kit on the way and good to go! The '58 is glass. Got the prop shaft to go level with the keel and she did fine.

Noticed a bit of a clicking sound from the power head. Will add 2 stroke oil TCW to more like a 40:1 ratio. Already have 8 oz. of SeaFoam in 6 gallons just to help the carb out. Already followed the directions for awakening a sleeping OB. Slept for 8 years in a garage. Got her for $500 on a trailer and a second matching motor (without power head) included.

Thanks again.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

sounds like a fun rig. As you seem to know, watch your speed and stay in control. If it's a tiller, they can get away from you fast and if you overcompensate you have big problems getting back in control.
As for transom stress, you put a lot more on it plowing than planing.

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Yes, I noticed that once it popped up on top that the whole world changed for the little scooter. I am advancing the throttle slowly through the initial acceleration period, still. I just don't have the nerve to slam the throttle down and see if she pops! Maybe in a few weeks.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

if i were you id use 24:1 ratio .those old j/e ,s like their oil.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

24:1 is a must for that motor


!!!!!!!!!! i would recheck compression but you mightve gotten away from it this time!!!!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Please wear a life vest and install a lanyard kill switch if you're going to get into hole shots...nice work on the fishing. Can you post a pix if your rig...love to see the old big twins.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

reminds me of my 1960 something12.5 footer with the 1958 seahorse 35 horse. that bad boy went like a raped ape. have fun with that bad boy, and keep in mind you can throttle back a lil after your on plane

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Pics of the boat are on my blog:

http://jiminmontana.wordpress.com/2010/05/19/anns-finboat/

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

duuuuude, im digging the fins!!!! sweet ride

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

CA Transplant told me that it is a "SeaGull" out of florida. Co. went belly-up. I can't find much info on them. Really light weight -- 35 hp is plenty.

I am gearing up to rebuild a 1958 Dodge D-100 Pickup and will paint my LoneStar '57 19 footer and this 13 footer to match the truck. Here is a link to what the pickup looks like originally.

Thanks.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

I believe the ratio is 24:1 as someone said.

 

[jiminmontana]

Re: Getting on Plane - scared to push it!

Yes. Manual calls for 24:1. Was told by a mechanic that the oil today is much better and was better to reduce it to 50:1. But then I heard a bit of clicking in the power head and shut her down.

Have basically doubled the oil in the tank and mixed it in. Beautiful day today and the afternoon hopes to be a boating day. Will let you know if the clatter went away.