Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

[SteelNuttz]

I have a 16' aluminum boat with a 25hp Mariner outboard. When I'm by myself I can get this bad boy going around 25mph, but when I have my fishing buddies with me, we putter along around 13 mph - I don't feel like I'm getting on a plane and I'm just pushing through the water.

I don't have an electric tilt or trim, so I only have the option of moving the motor up and down manually and pegging it in place with a pin. Right now it's almost all the way down, I felt like I picked up the most speed for when I was alone with that setting.

With three of us in the boat, would I gain any speed by tilting the motor up more? Just wondering what I can do to cover a little more distance. Thanks.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

How much more weight is the two other buddies, and there gear, and extra beer?

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

probably 400lbs extra (200lbs each). We don't usually stay out for long so we don't have a lot of gear with us. We've tried moving people back and forth in the boat, and always seem to get the most "speed" with one guy on the bow and the other two guys in the middle of the boat.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Depending on what pitch prop you have now, and what top rpm your motor is running at, you may be able to drop in pitch. Most people don't run a tach on smaller motors, but that's the only way to tell what your rpms are at, so you don't hurt the motor. Lugging it will hurt more then a few hundred rpm over. How is it if you have more rear weight. If its just plowing, then more HP might be in order.

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

It seems like if we put more weight in the rear it goes slower, but lifts the front up a little. I'm pretty sure it just isn't powerful enough to get us up on a plane, but I thought maybe messing with that tilt might affect it in some way...I'm not in a position to buy a new prop or anything at this point.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

I would try with the trim pin in one more, but you may not have the HP to pull the bow.

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Ok, I'll give it a shot. I don't really need any hole shot speed, most of the time I'm just trying to get across a lake and would like to get there a little bit quicker...Thanks.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Try it in other holes also. You should be able to beach the boat, and do it easy.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Personally I think you nailed it. You are just pushing the boat through the water, you are not on plane on top of it. I don't think you will get there from here regardless of your tilt pin setting. Need more ponies, or fewer buddies.

Mark

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Unfortunately my buddies are really just my dad and uncle so I can't get rid of them

Maybe I can interest them in losing some weight though!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Unfortunately my buddies are really just my dad and uncle so I can't get rid of them

Maybe I can interest them in losing some weight though!!

Okaye. Since it is a family venture, concentrate on fellowship and not on the physics of the outing. You all will enjoy it more.

HTH,
Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

If the boat is a simple 16 ft aluminum boat, tiller steering no extra weight i.e.: casting decks floors, live wells etc: you should be able to prop it to plane with the extra family.
Your present prop size should be near the base of the blades or under the prop nut.
With the prop size and your gps speed we may be able to get a very rough indication of your rpm.
What year is the motor? Is the a thru hub prop or non thru hub?

 

[ponchoman]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

Pull them in a dingy, the bow should come up then. lol yeah more ponies or just take it easy.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

I have a similar size boat with a 30hp.
I use a 13 pitch(95% of the time) by myself but when I go to a friends camp loaded down with supplies and people,I switch out to an 11 pitch.With the 11 and all that extra weight,it still will plane off fine.
Guess I'm saying(like another person said),maybe drop acouple pitches and she'll plane off for you with the extra weight.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Best tilt position for getting on a plane!?

I have a similar size boat with a 30hp.
I use a 13 pitch(95% of the time) by myself but when I go to a friends camp loaded down with supplies and people,I switch out to an 11 pitch.With the 11 and all that extra weight,it still will plane off fine.
Guess I'm saying(like another person said),maybe drop acouple pitches and she'll plane off for you with the extra weight.

He said he is broke! New prop not an option.

Mark