Trimming a tin boat

[Steve079]

I just got a 14ft Klamath, and have a 15hp Evinrude on it. I can't seem to find the right spot for the trim. By the looks of the motor, all the way down was the most popular choice. I was out on it solo, just me and the gas can. When I was off plane, it seemed impossible to find a speed where the nose was down. Made it hard to see heading in. I'm thinking more weight, when running solo?
I have rollers that weigh 100 and 75lbs. maybe these up front would help to get it dialed in?

Thank you!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

How does it do on plane with just you and the gas can?

 

[Steve079]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

It moves right out. It was a bit windy, not too bad,just a little chop. It just felt a little light. My last boat a fiberglass trihul. It's just a completely different feel. Just not real stable. And like I said, when not under full throttle, it was nose high, except at trolling speed.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

In my head I'm wondering if you're not overpowered a little bit. We had a 14' glass boat that was rated at 9HP, and for kicks we tossed our Evinrude 15HP on the back. One of the few times I've actually been a little scared on the water ... boat acted much as you described (bow high). Is the 14' tinny rated for 15?

 

[Pony]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

I know that when I am on my 14fter by myself (my avatar) I try to get as much weight forward as I can. I keep both anchors under the front deck. I moved the gas tank forward as far as the hose I have will reach.

Mine planes out really well. Even when not WOT the nose stays down.....though the doel fin on my motor might have something to do with that. If I remember correctly I am trimmed all the way down when I am alone.....one peg out from that if someone else is with me. With the 25hp, I can get almost 30mph with it and it isn't squirrely......but 14fters come in a billion different shaps and hp ratings.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

Yeah, try throwing some weight up front and see how it responds.

I have a hydrofoil on my 14'er and it helps get the stern up (bow down), but foils are a taboo thing here, lots of folks say they are a band-aid. I like mine, took it off once and immediately put it back on again. Smart Tabs are supposed to be the better solution, about double the cost of a foil.

I'd try the weight forward first though, fuel tank, gear, ballast for testing, etc...

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

With just yourself and a tiller, you'll always get some bow rise unless you weigh down the bow. I got tired of the limited visibility when getting on plane and switched to side console.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

Some Nauticus Smart tabs may help in your situation.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

The motor is typically sized for a 14' Aluminum. Your max is probably 20, maybe 25. Check the motor and make sure it is mounted so that the cavitation plate on the motor is even with the bottom of the boat. On these boats they like to be even and not the typical 1" up like on a deep V. When the motor is mounted at the correct height the cavitation plate should form a straight line from the bottom of the hull to the end of the caviation plate. You can adjust the manual trim position to get it as close as possible to flush.

Finally, check to be sure that the recommended prop is on the motor. Amazingly, these motors are almost always shipped with the correct prop for sea-level - 2500 ft elevations. If it's a replacement prop it may be one for high altitude and is under pitched for your current elevation. Just check it to be sure. For the record, just like all the other manufacturers you'll only find two recommened props for that motor no matter what boat it's pushing. Anything else is a SWAG so stick with the factory stuff, they knew what they were doing.

 

[Steve079]

Re: Trimming a tin boat

Thanks for all the help. I put the gear in the boat that will be a part of future fishing trips, and as suggested, moved items as far forward as I could. The boat is now all I ever hoped for! This is my third boat, my first 'Tinny" and smallest motor a '85 Evi 15hp. It trolls done to the right speed for Kokanee and trout, and jumps out and runs just over/at 20, at full throttle, and that is plenty fast enough.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions, I greatly appreciate your time and efforts