struggles to get on a plane

[cmchesse]

I have a 1985 Eagle with a 70 hp Johnson outboard. I had my family in the boat today and found it laboring to get on a plane. This is the first opportunity to use the boat. I spent the first few weeks working on the outboard. At this point it seems to run like a bat our of? (well you know the rest). I moved the anchor and a few other items to the bow, but it still labors before it gets on a plane. I found turn the wheel to the side would help it get there quicker.

The cavitstion plate has 4 holes in it. Would this be improved with a hydrofoil?

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: struggles to get on a plane

Are you trimming it all the way in?

 

[cmchesse]

Re: struggles to get on a plane

All the way. The boat has 2 batteries, 12 gallons of fuel and the three of us.
Combined person weight is aprox 475lbs. Like I said, I had my son move the anchor and line to the bow. No real difference.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: struggles to get on a plane

most likely that's what the holes were from.

Why did someone then take it off? Did they just keep it or sell it or did it not really help?

You could try one or you could look into a different prop or smart tabs.

First thing if the boat is new to you though is to make sure it's not heavy from waterlogged foam or holding water.

Different boats have different ways they can hold water.

Mine would take water into the vents on the rear deck from splashing etc and it had no way to drain from the large boxes that held the foam right under them.

Some have bilge areas under the deck that the bilge pump doesn't get to.

Check the weight then see if the motor is right for the boat. Sufficient power and right size/ length shaft etc.