Problem getting up on plane

[cheapirish]

I'm selling my 2000 Sundancer 240 with a Mercruiser 5.0 EFI (240 hp). It's always been good for me and my family of three (total), but today we took out some prospective buyers (7 of us on the boat) and it really had trouble getting up on plane.

I'm going to check the bottom to make sure it's clean (though a diver recently did it and the running gear). I know that's affected it in the past.

How much effect would a tune up have in resolving that issue? And can anyone give me their experiences on what would be involved in a tune up. I've changed the plugs before and done the other routine maintenance of fluids, filters, etc.

Any other pointers to fixing the issue are also welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Problem getting up on plane

Did you ever have that many on board before? How long did it take to get on plane? once n plane did it reach WOT? sorry to answer your questions with questions

 

[Don S]

Re: Problem getting up on plane

A 24' boat with only 240 hp is boarderline underpowered to start with. Add 7 people and you have problems. You would need to use full down drive trim and trim tabs and it's still going to be slow. Especailly if most of the people were on the aft deck.

 

[cheapirish]

Re: Problem getting up on plane

No, never had that many before - that's why I don't have any experience with it. It really never did get completely on plane; kind of plowed through the water with the bow up.

How much extra umphh could I expect to get with a tune-up and what would that involve on a EFI engine?

 

[cobra46]

Re: Problem getting up on plane

240 sounds marginal with that size boat and weight. Did you try moving the people around a bit?

 

[cheapirish]

Re: Problem getting up on plane

It picked up considerably when we removed five of the people.