OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

[bdd]

Finally got my 14' ft Achilles Hard bottom inflatable in the water today for a test run. I purchased it a while back and picked up a evinrude 48hp 2stroke to mount on it. I also mounted a center console central and a 20 gallon fuel tank in front of the console which is used as a passenger seat.

Anyway I think it may be a bit heavy, over powered or timed wrong. When I accelerate it feels like it's going to flip over backwards. The bow lifts way way up in the air like I'm doing a wheelie until it gets up on a plane.. It's kind of scary and I'm afraid to take my kids on it.

Any suggestions how to keep the bow down?
Thanks

 

[rallyart]

Re: OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

Can you intall the console and tank further forward? Is the engine trimmed all the way in to the transom? Those are the first two fixes.
You've got about 40% more power than they recommend, I think, so that's quite a bit. If you put a jet head on instead of the prop it's just about right though. The first suggestion, if you're keeping that engine, would be to put the throttle on more gently. A foil on the drive, or fixed tabs extending off the transom would help. I don't think the engine weight is that big a deal. It's the power.
Good luck. Don't take your kids in it until you feel it's comfortable.

 

[bdd]

Re: OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

Thanks rallyart,
Moving the console forward would mean replacing all the remote cables $$$. The trim has one last adjustment so I will try that along with a foil. If needed I can also add some wedged shims behind the engine mount that would gain another 1-2" of trim inwards if you think it would make a big difference?

 

[aspeck]

Re: OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

Yes, it would make a difference, but do it in stages and adjust your trim as far down as possible. That rig should literally fly with that engine on the back! YIKES! I am usually the first to go more power, but you certainly shouldn't need more power with that rig!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

If you don't plan to move console further front, because will need to buy extra new cables, will need all passengers to sit near up front to balace sib properly and plane much faster. Once sib is well balanced transom to bow, thrust rod must be engaged at 2-3 hole out from transom. Try the hole that makes hull and cav plate parallel to sea level once boat is at wot. Achilles ribs are rated for hadling more power, so probably on safe power configuration, don't know about weight, being an old engine model, probably heavier.

Happy Boating

 

[bdd]

Re: OMG Help! Did I over power it or what?

Thanks Guys, The hydro-foil made all the difference. No more bow rising and feels much more steady at WOT.