Boat struggles to get on plane

[Crusty16]

My buddy has a 89 skeeter 18.5 ft with a mercury 135 black max around the same year. It ran fine last season but this year it has struggled to get on plane. So we replaced the spark plugs and now it want plane off at all. Any suggestions?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat struggles to get on plane

I recommend you start with a compression test and spark test. If the motor has at least 100+PSI on each of the 6 cylinders, and spark on all, it is likely something simple. Post back on the results.

Also examine the spark plugs. They should look the same if the motor is running correctly. If not, you have an issue with the carbs, ign, fuel or cooling systems

 

[HighLineCBR]

Re: Boat struggles to get on plane

You say it worked fine last season. Have you checked your fuel after you spring comissioned it? many times the fuel will separate, water from ethanol, over the winter. In many cases the boat will start and then die. In some cases it will run but not have power. If you havent already done so, you may have to drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh. This may or may not be part of your problem.