2025 Carolina 178JLS Leans to Port Side

mkra

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Jun 12, 2025
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My new Carolina 178JLS lists to the port side anywhere from 10-40 degrees depending on speed and plane. It was sent back to manufacturer where they supposedly corrected the problem by placing a wedge in the hull. They said it tested fine on a lake. Upon getting it back, I'm not seeing much of an improvement at all. Would the fact I use it in salt water (slightly brackish on intracoastal in NE Florida) make that much of a difference if it tested fine in fresh water? I know the displacement between water types makes a difference, but have never experienced this before. Can't believe they'd manufacture a boat not suitable for salt water, so wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has any helpful solutions.
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
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It's not because of saltwater or any kind of water, it's the design of the hull

The prop is rotating clockwise and as it turns it's picking up the starboard side and pulling down the port side. The boat is so light (1400 lb) it doesn't take much. (L 17' 8" x W 6' 7")

I would bet all of these boats behave similar. Need trim tabs
 

cyclops222

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Mar 21, 2024
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At WOT I would be VERY careful of wind gusts blowing you over In any direction. My opinion is it is a dangerous boat. Get rid of it.
Still have a old Aluminum 16' X 5.5' wide. I CAN NOT take it out in any white caps. It will easily blow over. Nice weather boat ONLY. It has a 30 hp 2 stroke. Scarry It Has 2 6 gallon tank in bow seat section, Boats CAN BE MADE too light.
 
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mkra

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Jun 12, 2025
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Welcome
It's not because of saltwater or any kind of water, it's the design of the hull

The prop is rotating clockwise and as it turns it's picking up the starboard side and pulling down the port side. The boat is so light (1400 lb) it doesn't take much. (L 17' 8" x W 6' 7")

I would bet all of these boats behave similar. Need trim tabs
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to reply!
 

mkra

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Jun 12, 2025
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At WOT I would be VERY careful of wind gusts blowing you over In any direction. My opinion is it is a dangerous boat. Get rid of it.
Still have a old Aluminum 16' X 5.5' wide. I CAN NOT take it out in any white caps. It will easily blow over. Nice weather boat ONLY. It has a 30 hp 2 stroke. Scarry It Has 2 6 gallon tank in bow seat section, Boats CAN BE MADE too light.
Thank you, and I agree regarding the danger. During sea trial, we had 3 people on it so I didn't notice any issues. It was only after purchase when I went out alone. First time I've bought a new boat (I'm 57) and made mistaken assumption it would be safe and sturdy.
 
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