leaning to starboard at WOT

[smike26]

Took my boat out for the first time this week and was pleasantly surprised at it's performance, except for a couple of things: When I'm wide open, the boat leans toward starboard. Does a "trim tab" adjustment compensate for this? Also, my rpm is just under 5000 at full throttle, I'm thinking this is a little on the low end. Forgot my GPS, so I don't know what my speed was.<br />My motor is a 115 mercury, 1979, manual tilt and trim on a 1977 16' Glastron. Oh, and another thing, I have those Hydrafoils (I think they're called that), what do these do, and would these have any thing to do with the handling of my boat at top speed? Thanks in advance...

 

[NathanY]

Re: leaning to starboard at WOT

Your engine is set up for 5500 RPM max, but I would think that 5000 would be ok as long as you are not lugging your engine. Your fuel ecomony will be better too. Hydrofoils are used to get the back of the boat up and the front down, some say that they increase fuel ecomony, make for a smoother ride, faster planing, and even maybe higher top end, but I dont know on a bigger boat, I use PT&T, but on my little boat, it really gets the nose down and makes for a little dryer ride.

 

[ob]

Re: leaning to starboard at WOT

Smike,Does your boat lean toward starboard or pull to starboard at WOT?If it leans instead of pulling your problem could be one or more of several possibilities.Weight not distributed properly,motor mounted a bit too low causing hydrofoil to plow,or at worst a slight hook in the hull of the boat itself.<br />If the boat seems to be pulling to starboard, as in steering feedback, the trim tab is designed for that purpose of adjustment.Simply loosen the lock bolt and swing the rear of the trim tab toward the direction boat is pulling, and water test.Hope this helps.

 

[smike26]

Re: leaning to starboard at WOT

If I wanted to bring my rpms up to 5500 do I need a different prop? Thanks again.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: leaning to starboard at WOT

smike26 <br /><br />I believe the factory service manual calls for 5200 to 5400 rpm's. With your set up, 5000 is probably OK, at least for now.<br /><br />As you start to get used to your "new" boat, you will learn how the rpm's react to how much load you have (amount of fuel, number of passengers, etc.)<br /><br />Also, you will be able to alter the WOT rpm's slightly by changing the tilt pin position the motor sets at.<br /><br />Even the condition of the tune of you motor will affect the max rpm's (are you sparks plugs clean?).<br /><br />You are close enough to the rated rpm's that I would not change props until I got to know my boat a little better.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Gold Bear

 

[ob]

Re: leaning to starboard at WOT

Smike,Are you still concerned about the lean toward starboard??Wot rpms can be increased by reducing pitch ,however I would insure the motor is mounted at optimal height on transom before deciding as one mouted too low will also rob your engine of rpms.Anti ventilation plate of motor should be roughly even with bottom of boat when trimmed level with hull.The higher the better as long as boat and motor is water tested after raising to insure proppeller doesn't cavitate performing tight port and starboard maneuvers at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle while planed.