Bow Rise help

[stjord2100]

I own a 21' CC with a 200hp Evinrude. The boat and gear weigh in at around 4500lbs with full fuel, baitwell, (all in the back of course), etc... I get a predominant and lasting bow rise when trying to get out of the hole and have been looking at accessories to alleviate this problem. The "Doel-Fin" and "Whale Tail" cavitation plate attachments seem to be what I'm looking for but I'd like to get some input from others with similar problems. Ok pros, what's the best way to go with this irritating safety issue?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bow Rise help

Smart Tabs......................

The Whale Tails put the Lifting Energy where it Doesn't belong,..
On the motors Swivel Housing.....

 

[stjord2100]

Re: Bow Rise help

Smart Tabs......................

The Whale Tails put the Lifting Energy where it Doesn't belong,..
On the motors Swivel Housing.....

Thanks Bond-o,

Good information.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Bow Rise help

i've never had smart tabs. but that would be my vote. most folks that comment on them have nothing but good to say....
i have had the whale tail crap. all it did for me was break my ventilation plate for me. there must be a better answer. smart tabs. or trim tabs would be my guess......

can't move any more weight forward? that would be another answer......

 

[KCook]

Re: Bow Rise help

I agree with the others on tabs over a fin. Also, if you don't already have a 4-blade prop, give that a try.

Kelly Cook

 

[steelespike]

Re: Bow Rise help

Even though I've had good luck with doel fins I still consider them a last resort.And not any good for a big rig like yours.Smart tabs or something similar are the only way to go.You won't be sorry.You should really try to distribute the weight better as well.

 

[QC]

Re: Bow Rise help

Smart Tabs or Bennett adjustable type tabs . . . BTW, welcome to iboats!!

 

[stjord2100]

Re: Bow Rise help

Thanks to everyone for the great information.

The 4 blade prop helps. Its a great fishing boat but has a 100 gallon fuel tank under the floor in the back along with a 40 gallon live well.

 

[tmh]

Re: Bow Rise help

I'm sure you know this, but don't fill the gas tank! 100 gal?!?!? Isn't that huge for a 21 footer? With that and the livewell, you're very heavy for 200hp.

I had bow lift on the used boat I bought late last season and it won't go back in the water without smart tabs installed (bought, but too cold out to install yet). I see nothing but good reviews of them.

You may want to ask about props for this one in the prop forum. I try to educate myself in that forum - lots of very knowledgable folks. Going 4 blade or 5 blade is a "general" solution, but you'll get more specific advise on which props are better designed for stern lift, etc.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bow Rise help

You definitely need Smart Tabs or trim tabs. That boat is terribly stern heavy.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bow Rise help

Anyone else think that 4500 is a lot for a 21CC? My 21 Dual Console (s/b heavier) weighs in at 2600 plus the 400# Johnson plus the 60 gal fuel (500#) batteries (100#), and I am at 3600. BTW, my 150 Johnson planes the boat very rapidly.

 

[stjord2100]

Re: Bow Rise help

I'm sure you know this, but don't fill the gas tank! 100 gal?!?!? Isn't that huge for a 21 footer? With that and the livewell, you're very heavy for 200hp.

I had bow lift on the used boat I bought late last season and it won't go back in the water without smart tabs installed (bought, but too cold out to install yet). I see nothing but good reviews of them.


You may want to ask about props for this one in the prop forum. I try to educate myself in that forum - lots of very knowledgable folks. Going 4 blade or 5 blade is a "general" solution, but you'll get more specific advise on which props are better designed for stern lift, etc.

I will definitely look in to the props. That looks like an effective solution. I normally plan the fuel accordingly, as you suggest, but sometimes need to go with full fuel.

Thanks for the informative post,

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Bow Rise help

Hey Ziggy, what happened to you is what I assumed the first time I saw them, besides having 4 holes in your plate should you later choose to remove it.

Yours is the first I heard of it however......course I don't get around all that much.

Mark

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Bow Rise help

A boat should always be proped correctly, allowing the engine to run in the recommended RPM range at full throttle. However; changing the prop (especially going down in pitch or adding more blades) is like changing gears. If you go down in pitch it is like driving in second gear. I would suggest that you install trim tabs, get them adjusted correctly (Smart Tabs) or learn how to use them properly ( all helm controlled tabs), then determine is you need to change props. Don't rely on the prop to fix all of the performance problems or issues. Running arround in second gear all the time is costly (fuel consumption).