How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

[Mark42]

I have heard a number of times that the shape of wake or rooster tail can indicate if a boat is set up correctly with its trim angle or not. But it was not defined what it is your supposed to look for. <br /><br />Can anyone give some detail on reading wake/rooster tail?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark.

 

[Realgun]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

If it looks good leave it alone. If you have access to a GPS then you can adjust the motor till you get the best speed on the GPS. Thats what I will do when I ever get my boat near water again.

 

[DJ]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

No "detail" offered here.<br /><br />In general.<br /><br />A high "airy" wake denotes "overtrim-up".<br /><br />A low "sunken" wake means "undertrim".<br /><br />Most IMPORTANT, what's the boat doing?

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Hull configuration and individual setup makes a giant difference.<br /><br />Compare rooster tails on fast jetski's with mch more solid wakes on fast boats.<br /><br />Both might do their jobs well, but the wakes are very different - even between two equally fast boats.<br /><br />It's gotta come down to the individual boat and the setup that suits it best. Wake pattern is secondary to that.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

DOH! I thought it would be simpler than that. Boat seems fine, I was just asking to find out if there were some obvious characteristics of rooster tail that should be avoided or strived for. Actually, I don't spend a lot of time studying my wake pattern.... I'm usually looking forward.<br /><br />This spring I hope to (finally) get some good photos and video of the boat in action. Would be interesting to see what the boat looks like underway, and if I look like a dork at the helm or not!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Buy an inexpensive GPS and search for best speed. When you pass the dork in the other boat the rooster tail will have no bearing on anything and you answered your question. If you can't pass the dork in the other boat, wave politely, smile and tell yourself "I need a bigger motor".

 

[BillP]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Ditto...Tweak the motor trim to the gps for best speed. Roostertails are just roostertails.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

If you can't pass the dork in the other boat, wave politely, smile and tell yourself "I need a bigger motor".

Now I know why I put a 200+ on a 150 rated boat....I'm the dork that doesn't want to be seen!!!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

OK, sense I have a roostertasil picture for my avitar, this is what a show-off looks like. <br /><br />Normally anything much past the cowling of the engine is waisted, not allways, but usually. This was a large diameter prop, so I didnt lose much bite. Wish I had a picture of the whole roostertail, but, you can lead the kid to water, but you cant rely on him taking the picture you asked him to.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

LubeDude<br /><br />You got that 'took it at the wrong moment' type helper too?<br /><br />I've got loads of pics of ruffled water! The boat's long gone when my able assistant presses the shutter! <br /><br />Gotta system now. She's got a motor-drive camera, we use walkie-talkies, I shout at the right moment, and she uses a whole film to get the one shot. Mind you, we've only been trying it for one whole season. Give us time.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

A general rule of thumb I use with fast outboards is that they are running best at WOT if the rooster is about as high as the top of the motor.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Oh. I see. My "rooster tail" is more of a "rooster ripple". This is what mine looks like doing about 15mph before making trim adjustments and bigger pitch prop. As you can see, it does not extend up at all. I got the impression that there was something about its shape, or the V shape cut in the water that would indicate efficiency or lack of even if your not doing 80 mph.<br /><br />I guess I done went and embarrassed my self.....<br /><br />

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Mark,<br /><br />That is one lovely little boat.<br /><br />Shame about the rooster tail!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Mark42, need to add some 1-1/2" wire loom around those exposed battery leads...afore the sun gets'em.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Walleyehed,<br /><br />That pic is from before I was done working on the boat. See all the duct tape sealing the splashwell to the transom? Lots more that you can't see. <br />I have an old wrap for the wires, but am thinking about buying some of the newer stuff like you see in cars. Can I get it at an auto parts shop or do I need something special for outdoor use? <br /><br />Mark

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Stillfishin,<br /><br />When I said "As you can see, it does not extend up at all." I meant the water.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Mark, some auto parts facilities have the "UV" resistant loom. Mine is going on 4 years now with no problem. (black in color)

 

[Canuck 16]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

I believe Bennett trim tabs website has some info on what your wake should look like, and where it should be leaving the side of the hull, when properly trimed.<br /><br />Cheers... Canuck 16

 

[skiffer]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Generally speaking, the less wake the better. Water being thrown around, whether from the hull moving through the water or the motor, indicates energy loss.

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: How to read wake/rooster tail for proper motor setup

Mark, I know you were thinking of T&T instead of the tiltassist you've got now. Thinking ahead aren't you <br />Frank