Carolina skiff Question

concept

Cadet
Joined
Oct 26, 2004
Messages
10
Hey guys I just put a J14 Carolina Skiff together & put a Johnson 25 on it I am not really happy with the way it preforms. I found a good deal on a 50 horse but I wanted to know if anyone out there has this setup. I know that the boat is rated for a 25 but wanted some opinions to see if I should put the 50 on it or not
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
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Jul 30, 2003
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Re: Carolina skiff Question

concept;<br /><br />If the boat is rated fo a 25 hp, I would not suggest that you use a 50 hp under any circumstances.<br /><br />Please define your "performance" problems in more detail. The performance of any boat is influenced more by the hull design and balance of the boat than the HP. This is not the popular thinking today but it is true. Not only would a 50 HP be a problem with the structuraly integrety on the boat but it is likely that it would perform (including ride and handling) worse.<br /><br />What are you attempting to achieve?
 

concept

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Oct 26, 2004
Messages
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Re: Carolina skiff Question

I should have made my (Performance) issue a bit more clear. It takes a long time for the boat plane & once it is up I have to run at WOT all the time for it to stay that way. If I let off the throttle for what ever reason ( wake or rough water ) it just takes way to long to get up & going again & it feels like the 25 I have on it now struggles to get the boat to move. I have seen the J14 with a 40 but never a 50 My main concern was that of the structual integrety of the transom. I'm not looking to go fast I just want the boat to plane quicker & not have to ride at WOT to keep it there.
 

phatmanmike

Captain
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Oct 24, 2003
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3,869
Re: Carolina skiff Question

is it possible that your 25hp isnt running up to par?<br /><br />what year/model is the motor?<br />what type/size/pitch is your prop?<br />what is the total weight, loaded when running?<br /><br />give us these and we can help you a whole bunch.<br /><br />i have a 14foot aluminum that weighs in at 500 with boat, gas and motor. between my fat azz, my wife, and our 2 kids and gear, i can plane out the boat NICELY with only a 14hp evinrude
 

concept

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Oct 26, 2004
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10
Re: Carolina skiff Question

No the 52hp is running fine & I did get a new prop I do not remeber the size I think it was a 10 X 13 the motor is a 1997 25 Johnson. The total weigth is probably about 700-800 pounds
 

Jdeagro

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Re: Carolina skiff Question

HP is not the answer to your wish list. It sounds as though the boat is stern loaded. What do you have in the back? What position is the motor trim in? Boat balance is more important that HP, especially in this case.<br /><br />Check out the tech booklet on our web site at www.NauticusInc.com ("Boat Balance and Performance") at the bottom of the menu on the left side. If you have any other questions call our toll free number.<br /><br />John E. DeAgro <br />Nauticus, Inc.
 

concept

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Joined
Oct 26, 2004
Messages
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Re: Carolina skiff Question

Thanks for the link John. At first I thought that this was the problem & I went as far as removing the center counsel & moving it foward. I do not have anything at the stern exept for the battery I moved the gas tank under the counsel. As fas as the trim goes it has none the motor is just in its down position.
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: Carolina skiff Question

Try propping down to a shorter pitch prop. It can make a world of a difference. It always helps to know what your present WOT rpm is now and what the recommended WOT rpm is to find the right prop.<br /><br />My, now sold, 30 hp Johnson on a 16 foot aluminum did lousy with a 15" pitch, but really ripped with a 13" pitch.
 

Jdeagro

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Re: Carolina skiff Question

concept;<br /><br />If you have done all of that and still have the problem, call me at 800-233-0194
 

rowbards

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2004
Messages
24
Re: Carolina skiff Question

is the engine mounted properly? Is the cavatation plate too low? Should be even to 1" below the bottom of the boat...
 

SeaJayacas

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 12, 2004
Messages
49
Re: Carolina skiff Question

I do not think the problem is a lack of horsepower from a well running and correctly propped 25 horse engine on a 14 foot flat bottom skiff.
 

SeaDawg

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 3, 2001
Messages
418
Re: Carolina skiff Question

I have a friend that has a 25 HP Yamaha 4-stroke on his J16, and it will run close to 30 MPH by my hand held GPS.<br /><br />No trim tabs, no fin needed, just stock motor and prop. And his boat is heavy, it has all the CS stuff (large front deck, center console, box rear bench seat, etc.) He weighs over 300 lbs too, and I weigh about 200 lbs.<br /><br />Those boats are only rated for a 30 hp engine, so I would NOT put a 50 HP on it. You are just asking for trouble.
 

richg99

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
181
Re: Carolina skiff Question

It sounds like the J14's foam might be water logged. If the engine and prop and setup are correct, the J14 ought to run like the wind with a 25 hp. <br /><br />I had a CS 14 STD that was pretty heavy and need some adjustments to get her to plane properly. The J14 is a LOT lighter. <br /><br />J16's run at high speeeds with two or three passengers with only the 25 hp. So..it is either set-up; prop...or a waterlogged hull. If it is a waterlogged hull, then there are methods of drying her out. It might be worthwhile drilling a single hole low on the transom and seeing if water will drain out. If it does ( or doesn't ) that hole can be plugged with epoxy. Let us know more, please.... RichG
 
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