keeping on plane

[oceedee]

I have a 14ft carolina skiff with a 2002 suzuki 25hp w/remote steering.
I have to run at 5000rpm's to keep on plane. Max rpm's for this engine is 5500to 5600 according to the manufacturer. Is running at 5000rpm's constantly bad for the enging.

Thanks for any input in advance.

 

[gsyfishy]

Re: keeping on plane

Has it always done this? If so it would seem your prop size is way off, or you have alot of weight in the rear of the vessel. As far as hurting the engine, as long as you have oil, it should'nt hurt it, but you need to do some research on the correct size prop for that motor.

 

[oceedee]

Re: keeping on plane

I recently installed a tach on the boat to check if I had the right prop. The motor is running at 5600rpm's at WOT which I understand indicates the prop is OK. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks for the reply.

 

[James R]

Re: keeping on plane

Sounds like you could use a prop with a bigger pitch. Take a look at your prop for numbers. Go to brownspoint.com. Look under props for your motor. You will be able to see where your prop lies in the selection available. From this you can determine which next size up you might use. Sorry it is trial and error. There are many variables which determine which prop to use. Have you tried changing the trim of the motor in case that is the problem?

 

[gsyfishy]

Re: keeping on plane

Like James said, there are variables to consider such as ; weight distribution, trim setting etc... Like I asked befor, is this boat setup new to you? If not how long has this problem been there? I had a 17' Carolina with a Yamaha f60, and to be honest I wished it would of had a 75hp.

 

[oceedee]

Re: keeping on plane

Yes. The boat is new to me. I just bought it a month ago. The prop is a 10 pitch, so I ordered a 12 pitch hoping to bring the rpm's down from 5600-5700 to 5300-5400 and possibly increase my top end speed. What do you think.

Thanks for all responses

 

[MikDee]

Re: keeping on plane

First you want to check your cavitation plate angle, you should try to make it level, or paralell, with the bottom as a starting point. If it is a bit low in the back, it's not a problem for planing, in fact it helps, (too much, and it's bow plowing) But, if it's angled up at the back, it will keep the bow up (like going uphill). In any case, after adjustments, I think this maybe the ideal situation for a small hydrofoil.

 

[oceedee]

Re: keeping on plane

I do have a small hydrofoil on the on the motor now, but I'm not sure how high or low the cavitation plate is in conjunction with the bottom of the boat.
I will check this week and post the information. Thanks for your help.