Motor dies when loading on trailer

[BDub]

I have a 1981 Merc 115hp, and it runs great on open water. It'll run about 45-47mph and turn 5200+rpm. <br /><br />The only trouble I'm having is loading it back onto the trailer. When the front of the boat makes contact with the trailer, I push the throttle to drive the boat up the trailer to the locking winch. The motor will start bogging down and usually dies. It's almost like it's under too much strain to push the boat on the trailer. <br /><br />Anything I could check or do differently? I've ran the boat wide open with 4 grown men aboard, and it runs like a dream. I'm alone in the boat when loading it on the trailer, and it acts like it's not strong enough to push the boat on the trailer. Anyone heard of anything like this?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

could it be that teh motor is tilted at the wrong angle and runs out of fuel from the bowls?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Nice, Phatmanmike.......

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Might have too much prop on it. You should be getting around 5800 rpms with a moderate load in the boat. If the prop is pitched too high, it will be a strain to push the boat up the trailer. Are you on bunks or rollers? If bunks, you may want to get those deals that attach on the bunks to create a slick surface. If nothing else, make sure the bunks are fully wetted out before attempting to load. If it is a roller trailer make sure all rollers turn freely and don't have flat spots or other damage. Also, make sure the motor is tuned, especially with clean plugs. 2 strokes don't like to do hard work at lower rpms and dirty plugs make it worse. Good luck...

 

[BDub]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

What's a good angle to have the motor when driving on a trailer? I was trying to compensate for the angle of the boat on the trailer, so I raise the motor a bit once the boat makes contact with the trailer. <br /><br />I use a bunk trailer, so something to make the bunks more slippery would definitely be a good thing, so long as the boat don't slide off going to the house !!! Thanks everyone.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

why in the world would you "drive" the boat up<br />on the trailer? I just don't get it... hand crank<br />MY 22' with no probs.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Many pulic waterways are beginning to prohibit driving on the trailer as it really erodes the contour of the bottom at the ramp. Plus it is hard on your rig.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Have you checked your idle speed? It should be between 600-700 in fwd gear.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Originally posted by BDub:<br />I use a bunk trailer, so something to make the bunks more slippery would definitely be a good thing, so long as the boat don't slide off going to the house !!! Thanks everyone. [/QB]

Two things you can do - buy some silicone spray and spray down the bunk carpet. I've read many good testimonials about this but haven't tried it.<br /><br />I've used both commercially sold and DIY glide plastic on my bunks. Both really improved ease of loading (power loading as well as cranking for the landings where powerloading wasn't appropriate). I am very happy with both.<br /><br />As for sliding off - I keep my winch strap tight, and have two transom straps. Regardless of the slickness of the bunks, I feel these are just common sense safety precautions and also reduce bouncing and stress on the boat. I have a bow safety chain for added on -road and ramp safety and never disconnect it and/or the winch strap until I'm ready for the boat to slide into the water. I haven't had the boat slide off prematurely as some stories I've heard, but...

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

As far as whether to powerload or not. Some of us don't have that option. Neith of my shouolders work good enough or are strong enough to crank anymore. I have to powerload, or sink my Mustang, and that really isn't an option for me.<br /><br />I use the silicone spray and it works great. You will have to spray it when the bunks are dry like when you go to get the trailer, spray the bunks, by the time you get it in the water it should be dry. You might have to do this 2-3 times a season (Depending on how long your season is) Oncce a year works for me.<br /><br />And I second that your RPM's are too low for that motor. You should be at least 5500, 5800 is best.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Craig

 

[BDub]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll look into the silicone spray for the bunks. But now you have me wondering about my RPM's being too low. Should I be worried, or is there a fairly easy way to get raise them above 5500?

 

[achris]

Re: Motor dies when loading on trailer

Easy way to get the RPM up is to put a prop on with a lower pitch.