Getting up on plane

[AndrewsArk]

Wonder what you guys do trim-wise when you're getting up on plane? I usually have the trim all the way down and then trim up as necessary. Is this the norm or are there other ways to go about this? The reason I'm asking is because if I don't have enough weight in the front it's really hard to get her out of the hole.

Thanks!

 

[Chaparralboater]

Re: Getting up on plane

you could try to re-prop or adjust the load of weight. I had a boat that was a plaining hog. Never did anything about it tho....

 

[bcons]

Re: Getting up on plane

A new 4 blade prop would help, they typically provide a better holeshot & a bit more control when docking in tight spots, the tradeoff however is you lose a couple hundred rpm at WOT and a couple knots.

 

[Philster]

Re: Getting up on plane

Trim drive down to come out of hole and get on plane and trim up when on plane.

Maybe your engine has lost some oomph over the years? If not, try a 4-blade prop.

 

[donzi gt230]

Re: Getting up on plane

Some merc. drives have eccentric bushings at the rams that you can flip to let the unit tuck in more, I've done it and it helps. I believe they are there for safety; if the drive is too far in during a high speed turn it can be dangerous in some boats. Otherwise, move weight foreword, get trim tabs, or try one of those bolt-on fins on the drive....or nitrous

 

[ziggy]

Re: Getting up on plane

I usually have the trim all the way down and then trim up as necessary. Is this the norm or are there other ways to go about this?

yep, that's the norm....

only exception i can think of is in high seas. it may be desirable to bring the bow up to clear the breakers... in these conditions i may start with trim out some. probably not with the intentions of ever reaching plane though.

 

[AndrewsArk]

Re: Getting up on plane

Awesome, thanks for the replies.

I may just have to get some trim tabs to help a bit. She's a bit of a hog. Currently I just keep even weight with passengers and that helps immensely. With just my wife and I sitting in the forward chairs she gets up quick as can be, so I'm not too worried. Just curious more than anything.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Getting up on plane

Interesting with that big of an engine I would not think you would have problems. My trim all the way down, look back at kids on tube with my mouth wide open, wait a little, wait a little........crank it a WOT, feel her plane than trim up a little bit and listen to all the kids screaming!

 

[Philster]

Re: Getting up on plane

My gut instinct is that something is wrong somewhere. A 5.0 should move the boat onto plane w/out playing around with the weight. All you need to do is keep the drive down and push the throttle forward.

What's your history with this boat?

What top speed does she reach and what is the RPM at that top speed under full throttle (wide open throttle - WOT)? These are critical pieces of info.

Further: Prop type, blade count, size and pitch?

 

[glengold]

Re: Getting up on plane

i know you've got a 5.0, but with my 55 hp on a 16 ft heavy skiff, i found it much easier to plane after I added dolphin fins to the LU. My boat doesn't go over 30 mph.

Sounds like you may need a tune up or the drive isn't going all the way down.

When trimmed all the way down you want the prop aiming slightly down to give you upward lift and forward thrust.

I find this important anytime I'm pulling a tube or wakeboarder, then after we get on plane I trim up to get more speed and a better wake.

If you are trimmed to high the bow will go really high and you won't be able to plane.

 

[ozarkt165]

Re: Getting up on plane

Had the same problem w my 16 ft tri hull. Hydrofoil solved my problems

 

[AndrewsArk]

Re: Getting up on plane

Maybe I shouldn't worry too much. The times it doesn't is when it's myself, my wife, 2 daughters, father in law and 2 brother in laws (18 and 20) in the boat. Yeah, that's about 1,150lbs all together. Add a full tank of gas and I do believe it will take a bit at WOT. I don't go WOT very often though, so that could be another thing (my wife doesn't like it when I jam it all the way).

 

[Charlie in TX]

Re: Getting up on plane

Ok, now we are on to the problem. From neutral with engine idling, quickly move the throttle forward (about 1/3rd full travel) to fully engage gears.

Smile at wife.

When ready to go, nail the throttle, WIDE OPEN.

Smile at wife.

The bow will rise, as it start to fall, slow and steady, decrease throttle.

Smile at wife.

FYI - it is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission. After 20 years, I don't even ask anymore.

 

[sandersps]

Re: Getting up on plane

Maybe I shouldn't worry too much. The times it doesn't is when it's myself, my wife, 2 daughters, father in law and 2 brother in laws (18 and 20) in the boat. Yeah, that's about 1,150lbs all together. Add a full tank of gas and I do believe it will take a bit at WOT. I don't go WOT very often though, so that could be another thing (my wife doesn't like it when I jam it all the way).

Neither does mine!

 

[Philster]

Re: Getting up on plane

Going full throttle for a few moments to climb a bow wave and plane out, which then allows you to trim up and pull back on the throttle, is WAY better for the engine and drive versus a constant struggle to plane while you stress every part of the engine and drive, straight out and down to the prop itself.

Planing = mechanical happiness.

Pushing an enormous bow wave (not planing), with a big old family load on board, is incredibly stressful to an engine/drive. Sucks up fuel like crazy, too. You'd be pressed to find a more inefficient way to drive and you'd be pressed to do something more stressful to the engine, other than all out lugging.

Tell wifey to read the info above.

 

[AndrewsArk]

Re: Getting up on plane

Haha! Thanks guys. WOT it is!

 

[CharlieTx]

Re: Getting up on plane

I had same problem getting on plane. Idling, on plane, OK, throttle a little, OK, anything above that, and bow would rise, then have to go to WOT, to plane, yet, when I went to mid-throttle, again, bow would rise.
I added a Stingray Stabilizer to lower unit (anti-cavitation plate), and now my 1987 Champion bass boat, 17' 6", performs beautifully.
I still start with trim down, reach desired speed, then trim-up, until motor hits that sweet-spot. You can tell when it does, motor seems to purr like a kitten, boat picks up a little more speed, and does not seem to be working as hard. Hope this eases your mind somewhat. CharlieTx

 

[steddy]

Re: Getting up on plane

I've heard that a stabilizer fin is a sure sign of an underpowered boat.
That being said, I have a buddy with a Four Winns 258 Vista, Volvo V8 powered (I don't really know the specs). If there's enough of us on the stern, even that big sucker won't plane out. Makes one hell of a wake in the process, too.

 

[glengold]

Re: Getting up on plane

well now i see the pic of AA's rig. You wouldn't put a fin on that boat, its a hog!! Dual axle trailer = heavy SOB. fins would have NO effect on that boat. Its got the big motor for a reason, as said before, smile at wife and WOT, after on plane, adjust trim up a little till you feel it lift out of the water some, then reduce throttle before wife smacks you to slow down.

That thing needs WOT to plane out!!

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: Getting up on plane

I must say,,, this thread is hilarious!!