Is the engine mounting position correct?

[Chris1956]

The answer is maybe. You might post a picture of the antiventilation plate and it's position versus the bottom of the transom.

Bennett or other trim tabs might help more, as they will tend to keep the transom from digging in.

 

[aspeck]

If your boat is performing that poorly (been around a lot of Skeeters and never saw one perform as you described), trim tabs are your best bet.

 

[FishingInWI]

Photos for reference. I did look at the back, the motor is mounted to the lowest position too. Is it possible to just move the motor up via the mounting for this issue?

 

[FishingInWI]

So, if I go the trim tabs route (which is way freaking cheaper) it looks like it can help when it's just me in the boat and it leans to the starboard, in addition to keeping it from pulling a wheelie?

 

[Scott Danforth]

looks like the motor should come up

all boats will benefit from tabs

 

[aspeck]

So, if I go the trim tabs route (which is way freaking cheaper) it looks like it can help when it's just me in the boat and it leans to the starboard, in addition to keeping it from pulling a wheelie?

If you get powered tabs and not just fixed tabs, yes, you can adjust them on the fly for starts, weight distribution, etc.

As for the motor, from the angle of the picture, yes you should raise it up. The cavitation plate should be in line with the bottom of your hull.

 

[emoney]

I would do both. If you move that motor up it’s going to help with the planing issue. I would move it up to 2nd from bottom probably.

 

[roscoe]

And remove that hydrofoil after raising the motor. Give it a try.

The foil should be above the water when up on plane. and is likely causing some of your issues if you are launching with the motor trimmed up at all. It looks like it would dig into the water like an anchor.

 

[FishingInWI]

Is the engine mounting position correct?








Sorry FishingInWI but somehow the original post contents became erased from view while merging two other engine posts and now we're unable to retrieve the contents of this first post so I made something up to try and fit a narrative of some kind. Again, sorry about this issue.

 

[ahicks]

These older Honda's don't like those foils bolted to them at all. That plate wasn't designed to hold them. I've had more of them welded than you can shake a stick at. The one pic LOOKS like you have a pretty good size crack now that needs to be taken care of ASAP - BEFORE the whole thing comes off.

If this is a smaller boat, and you're a pretty good size guy in the boat by yourself, the boat leaning under your weight wouldn't be unusual at all. I have 2 17' boat that both do it with just me in them.

And I agree. The motor is mounted way too low. Looks like you could raise it 2 holes easily.

 

[FishingInWI]

These older Honda's don't like those foils bolted to them at all. That plate wasn't designed to hold them. I've had more of them welded than you can shake a stick at. The one pic LOOKS like you have a pretty good size crack now that needs to be taken care of ASAP - BEFORE the whole thing comes off.

If you're referring to that line on the left side, in from of the foil, that was just a piece of weed stuck to it. Doesn't look like I have a crack starting.

To all, I'll report back when I get a chance to do all the suggestions. In the middle of the restoration on it, but can try it out when I get the interior done.

 

[emoney]

The good news is all you need is a hoist to move the motor up. Those can be had on the cheap from Harbor Freight and a lot of big box stores and not a bag thing to own for a boat owner if you don't already have one. Proof in the pudding will be almost immediate once you get it in the water, then you can do the "with/without" hydrofoil test after that's done. If you decide to go with trim tabs (you won't regret it) then of course, it comes off regardless.

 

[ahicks]

Easier way to adjust engine height when on the trailer. Lower the front of the boat, block the bottom of the motor, then raise the front of the boat to line up on desired mounting hole. Lower bolts do not need to be removed. Just loosen those up.

 

[FishingInWI]

The good news is all you need is a hoist to move the motor up.
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I've got a plan for that. I'm a lineman, so have access to a bucket truck that can support the weight. I've got the eyelet screw that attaches to the flywheel being delivered tomorrow. Should be pretty easy, just gotta seal everything back up when I'm done.

I'm probably going to get a jack plate sooner or later. I'm wanting the atlas, especially since I can then mount my transducer for my helix MSI directly dead center in the boat, and then gives me a mounting spot for a power pole. No extra holes in the boat then. Just moving the mounting up will tell me all I need to know on how much a jack plate will help.

 

[FishingInWI]

Sooo.... I raised the motor position up 2 notches, and took the hydrofoil off. Still waiting for the trim tabs to come in, should be here in 2 days. But with the motor moved up and no hydrofoil, I had even a harder time getting up and on plane.... I even had my buddy with me, and with him sitting on the front deck, I was able to fight it and get it up and over the hump. Once it got over, it ran great, and seemed to be a bit more stable than with the other setup.

I'll see how it runs with the trim tabs, but I already put the hydrofoil back on, and I'm guessing I'll be ordering a jack plate soon. Looking at a 8" setback.

 

[FishingInWI]

Got regular 6x8 inch Bennet tabs installed, motor moved up 2 spots, hydrofoil on, and boat gets on plane easier, but I have lost stability it seems.

Before the tabs, 2 notches up, and hydrofoil on, I could run about 50 mph before the boat got squirrelly. Now, it seems to feel like the motor gets out of the water at low 40s and literally feels like the back end breaks loose. I back down the throttle, and it grabs again after slowing back down a bit.

Think I'll take the hydrofoil off again, and see how it handles. Still looking at a jack plate though, probably the answer to everything to adjust on the fly