I don't think I'm getting up on plane

68C15

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
109
I took my 65 Johnson tri-hull out again last weekend for the 4 time ever. I just bought the thing in June and it is my first boat. the 100 HP Golden Meteor V4ML-12M is rated for 5200 RPM +- 200. it doesn't sound like it is up there even with just me and my fishing gear on board. the 18 gal. tank up front was empty, I was running off the 6 gal. aux tank under the splash well. it sounds like the motor is hitting about 3500-4000 RPMs max. I don't have a tach or speedo yet (give me time :) ). the previous weekend it was running so rich it was spitting black smoke at low speed. then it cleaned up after I ran 12 gal. with 2 cans of seafoam mixed in.
I have no idea what prop I have and there is no marking to be found.

any ideas what may be the problem? prop, trim, weight, antique POS and I should just learn to deal with it?

here is a pic of mine and one I found on gull-wing.com showing a difference in height but with the same angle.
 

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Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
52
Re: I don't think I'm getting up on plane

You really need a tach to know where the rpm's are at. A prop shop could tell you what pitch prop you have, just bring it in to them. From there, the guys here will help you out.
 

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: I don't think I'm getting up on plane

65 should get it up on plane. Where was your trim set? If you pull the prop you may find the numbers on the end, next to the spline.
 

sho3boater

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
168
Re: I don't think I'm getting up on plane

Make sure the prop is in great condition and the hull does not have water in it, in case those things might be an issue. I'd do a full tune on the motor and fuel system. Then you need a tach to see where you are at far as changing props.
 

Willyclay

Captain
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
3,264
Re: I don't think I'm getting up on plane

Check the prop for a slipping hub clutch. Use a Sharpie or Magic Marker to draw a straight line across the rear of the prop where the drive pin is located. Take the boat out again and the check to see if the line has rotated out of alignment with the drive pin. If so, the rubber clutch lining between the prop and the hub is slipping under load. That's an easy and not too spendy a repair for a prop shop. Good luck!
 
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