Newbie Question

glogsdon1

Cadet
Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
11
Just purchased my first boat with an outboard. It is a Crestliner Angler 14SC with a Nissan 30HP with tilt/trim. The boat does not have any gauges. Took it out and at WOT it wouldn't go much more than 9.5 MPH as per my GPS. Played a little with trim but not much changed since I'm new to it too. Took it out the next time and it went up to 20 MPH initially not knowing what was different. We slowed down, stopped , changed direction, changed the trim just checking things out. Then it would not go above 9 or 10 MPH at WOT. Later it would go up to 20 MPH again. I have no idea why the change at WOT. We pulled of the cowling and the throttle linkage is moving as expected, the motor sounds like it is running at max RPM. Is it possible that it is simply not getting trimmed out properly, or a heavy influence of wind and waves?
 

dontask

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
177
Re: Newbie Question

Trim the motor with same weight distribution (front to back) for the most GPS speed you can get. Going in the same direction on the waterway. That way you are not getting speed readings that have been affected by water current or wind.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Newbie Question

try pulling spark plug wires; you might be missing a cylinder but can't hear it.
Also possible prop slippage if the motor sounds the same. If you can borrow another one you can test this.
 

oaksld

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
34
Re: Newbie Question

Wind would slow you down, but I think 10 mph is a lot. Are you in a river against current? That would definitely reduce your speed.
 
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