1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

[trent0416]

sorry if i have dumb questions, but i am an experienced boater, but brand new to the pontoon boat world. i have a 1997 sunspa 200 - 20ft with a 60hp mariner bigfoot on it. i took it out on its maiden voyage last night and was slightly disappointed. as i know this will be no speed machine, it seemed to lag a bit with only two people aboard. the rpm gauge is not working properly but it sounded as if the motor revs were good, and it ran smooth, but seemed very slow. also seemed to have a hard pull right all the time. can anyone tell me what speed to expect out of this, and if there are any things that can be done to get maximum performance, also is my pull just the trim tab needed to be adjusted to the left? any help would be appreciated. thanks

 

[mrbusdriver]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

I have a 18 ft. with a 40 hp. with three people with a gps. I get 17 mph.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

You have no tach, no speedometer, and we don't know what prop you have (diameter and pitch) so it is impoosible to suggest what should be happening. I can tell you however, that the typical prop for that engine in pontoon service is s 14 x 9P and speed should be in the 18 -20 MPH range depending on load. If there is water in the tubes or if the engine is not making full power, the throttle not opening fully or any of the other engine related problems exist you will not have acceptable performance.

 

[trent0416]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

You have no tach, no speedometer, and we don't know what prop you have (diameter and pitch) so it is impoosible to suggest what should be happening. I can tell you however, that the typical prop for that engine in pontoon service is s 14 x 9P and speed should be in the 18 -20 MPH range depending on load. If there is water in the tubes or if the engine is not making full power, the throttle not opening fully or any of the other engine related problems exist you will not have acceptable performance.

Thank you. i wish i had more information at this point but just got the boat and trying to work out all the bugs. i went this morning to check on the prop and it is a stainless steel quicksilver vengance, not 100% sure of the diameter, but it is stamped a 12 pitch. thanks again!

 

[EricJRW]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

If you don't have a GPS, but do have a smart phone (or access to one), there are plenty of GPS apps to download for free. Knowing actual speed will be a huge help. Also, and I have not tried, there is (was) an app to determine RPM from the engine sound. Just needs to be set for number of cylinders and cycles. In fact that reminds me... Last time I read about it I did own a smart phone... I need to see if the app is still available.

FYI, 20 MPH is about my top speed.

PS. The Android app is called "Acoustic Tachometer (RPM)"... I'm downloading it now.

 

[mrbusdriver]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

As for the Acoustic Tach I don't think it works, it just shows random numbers and never stops changing even when there isn't any sound, the reviews say the same thing. ???

 

[trent0416]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

Thanks everyone for the input. i will report back once i can obtain more info. does anyone have any input on the pull to the right i have? just a trim tab adjustment or do i need to be looking elsewhere? thanks again

 

[EricJRW]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

As for the Acoustic Tach I don't think it works, it just shows random numbers and never stops changing even when there isn't any sound, the reviews say the same thing. ???

I'm seeing the same thing... It's too bad, it would have been a great tool. I'll try again this weekend with real motor noise.

 

[Javidroid]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

As for the Acoustic Tach I don't think it works, it just shows random numbers and never stops changing even when there isn't any sound, the reviews say the same thing. ???

Hi, I'm the author of "acosutic tachometer." (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.javiery.rpmgauge).

Through Google I found this forum. I would like to mention to some thing. It is normal that, despite the absence of sound from a motor, the random number values ​​indicate app. Try to analyze the audio, which can be very low. If attempts to analyze the sound that is not the engine will result in random.

Furthermore, it may not function in some engines. It is based on the sound of explosions. If the exhaust pipe greatly reduces the sound or the sound of the mechanics is large (the case in air-cooled engines) may not work well.

A good example of operation is the video that shows the engine speed of my car.

You can comment me any questions or suggestions.


Best regards,

Javier

Best regards

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 1997 60hp mariner bigfoot questions

I find that a tach is a must, probably more than any other guage, fuel guage excluded. That will determine if you are reaching your max. RPMs for your motor and consequently the right prop. I have a slightly newer 4 stroke Bigfoot and find the ideal prop for mine is a 14x11. The 14x9 I use as my backup tends to cause a slight over rev. GPS will give your most accurate speed. Generally I set my trim with the GPS by going for the max speed. BTW,my max is usually around 20 mph with 2 souls on board. I have read that underskinning the deck will gain approx. 3-4 mph. Hoped to do mine this spring but it now looks like the fall. Finally, a stainless prop will look pretty but will likely yield little improvement if any and will take a bite out of your wallet. SS props shine when you are dealing with 150hp and higher.