suzuki DF140

[uhu]

i just bought a glass catamaran about a year ago from hawaii's windward boats and everything was running fine until two months ago, when i ran a reef going only 1 knot. i have twin suzuki DF140's and now one of them sprays water straight up and to the sides. i also lost about 400 rpm and 8 knots. the boat used to go 5100 rpm max and about 30 knots. now it goes about 4700 rpm and only 22 knots. i tried to play with the trim and tilt but nothing changes. i just changed both fuel filters. my boat also sits in the water 24/7 and i clean the hull every other week. there's no barnacle build up only some moss. i probably need to take the boat out of the water and check the cavitation plates and the motor line up measurements, huh. does anyone have any advice to what i should do and the steps that i should take?

 

[JB]

Re: suzuki DF140

Aloha nui loa, Uhu.

Welcome to iboats.

Sounds like a damaged prop to me. Have you examined the props?

Also, those Suzis should be turning more like 6,000rpm at wide open throttle. You may want to investigate a shorter pitch. Check in to the Prop Forum to see how to optimize prop specs.

Mahalo.

 

[uhu]

Re: suzuki DF140

i have stainless steel props, will those bend going at such a slow speed. i took a look at the props but no "visible" damage. thanks for the advice.

Aloha nui loa, Uhu.

Welcome to iboats.

Sounds like a damaged prop to me. Have you examined the props?

Also, those Suzis should be turning more like 6,000rpm at wide open throttle. You may want to investigate a shorter pitch. Check in to the Prop Forum to see how to optimize prop specs.

Mahalo.

 

[boashna]

Re: suzuki DF140

i poped a 3000 lb boat out of water by hitting a reef with the same setup at 20mph with no problem.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: suzuki DF140

pull the boat or raise the motors and look

 

[kahoona]

Re: suzuki DF140

Hi
I'm sure that the OP has fixed his problem long ago bit I thought I'd add my experience for someone searching the forums with a similar problem. My prop looked fine and I did not remember hitting too many things but I was down 10 mph and also the tilt control didn't seem to be giving the same results. It sounded "funny" too. I pulled the prop and took it to the local prop wizzard who measured it and said it was no longer cupped properly. He adjusted it and Bingo! good as new. You often cannot see the damage or wear and it makes a big difference.
Kahoona