chinewalk (patches of ice?)

[brownies]

I probably need a ton of posts (warnings for an idiot), but, I've had several 60mph plus bass boats before and never experienced this problem. Always Rangers though. <br />New boat is a 99 Skeeter, 150hp rated, 150 V-max on it, Manual adjust jack plate.<br />I have not done any adjustments on the plate (boat was purchased used).<br />First few times out, ran 60mph. Had more, but, I just ran it where it felt comfortable.<br />Last two times out it gets squirly at just over 50mph. Trimmed up, down, all around...same (it's like driving fast on ice spotted pavement in a rwd vehicle). Just a slight "slip" of the pad to either side then it "catches" again and will "slip" again. Just enough to cause a safety concern.<br />I know I could, maybe should, just go slower, but, I don't want to. This 17.5' boat should run over 60mph without problem.<br /> Any reason for this boat to "just" devolope a problem like this (everything is tight, hull looks fine, weight same location as always).<br />Do I need to adjust the jack plate? Would a cavitation plate help this problem even though I don't think this is "cavitation related" (rpm's don't jump when the back of the boat feels like it "skips").<br />I won't run my boat if I don't feel safe, but, I sure don't think it's supposed to feel this way at this speed.<br />Any input would be appreciated.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Did the load or balance change since the last good run?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Hate to see this issue not addressed so Ill add something and bump it back up.<br /><br />Would you let us know exactly just what the setup is? How high is the Ventilation plate from the actuall bottom of the boat now, also it might help to know the prop you have, diameter and pitch. I have normally been able to stop chainewalking by raising the engine a bit.<br /><br />Not completly sure that your issue is chinewalk though. Does the boat rock from side to side? Your explination lacks a bit.<br /><br />There are quite a few knowledgable boat set up people here that should be able to help you out.

 

[brownies]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

boat does not rock side to side. When on plane, the rear of the boat will "shift" a bit off to one side or the other. It's almost like running in current and hitting a patch of smooth water...but, just for split second. <br />Cargo consists of tacklebox and rods in the same place it's always been (not had the boat long).<br />The faster you go, the more it does this little "skip/slip" thing.<br />Starts at about 50mph and gets worse the closer to 60mph.<br /> It won't trim out of it, but, will bow steer if trimmed down too far.<br />The jack plate is down as far as it will go. Does not look like it has ever been adjusted anywhere else.<br /> I thought the prop hub might be "going bad", but, never had one do anything like that before....then thought cavitation? Last night I watched the tach and if it jumps any, it's not much.<br /> Prop is 25 pitch, unsure diameter. Not sure what ventilation plate is, and, do I measure trimmed all the way down?<br /> It's just like driving a rwd car 60mph up a slight incline and hitting a 2' long patch of ice...

 

[brownies]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

One more note: From what I've been reading, Trim tabs seem to cure lots of related "ills"...but, This boat will spend considerable time in lots of shallow, stumpy water. If I need trim tabs, are they fairly durable?

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

You can't hurt anything (except maybe yourself) by raising the motor with the jackplate and trying it out.

 

[purplerain810485]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

your avatar is a bit big

 

[LubeDude]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Originally posted by danman589019:<br /> your avatar is a bit big

 

[QC]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Kinda cool how the post is in a nice little column on the side though . . . If I go to full screen I can just about get all the text in.

 

[brownies]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Avatars, boats, fishing.. My knowledge of each seems to be overwhelming.<br />I guess I thought it would reduce the image to fit. I guessed wrong.<br />Working on that avatar thing now. <br />Any suggestions other than more dangerous ones?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Look your steering linkage over real well, it shouldnt be slipping like that. Engine could be too high, and you may have a real aggressive prop that is trying to walk your boat ( I think to the right), In the direction of the rotation. Does it seem to want to make the rear of the boat go to your right? What prop are you running?

 

[brownies]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Boat had been setting for a couple of years prior to purchase (inside though). Steering was EXTREMELY TIGHT. Thought one of the cables might have had a "burr" on it snagging the covering. Seems to be loosening up though, still a bit tight.<br />Thinking of hydraulic system, but, no commitment made to that yet (thought I'd see if more use would make the cable system liveable).<br />It does it's "slip thing" to the right though. But, no torque steer like other, older performance bass boats that I've had. Once on plane, it turns either direction okay.<br /> There is no adjustment to lower the engine. I might try lifting it an inch and if it gets worse, I'll make it to where I can lower the engine.<br /> If this post is still in sight Tuesday, and I haven't taken out any trees at Millwood, I'll be back with a worse problem, or a better driving boat.

 

[Ron G]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

you said first two times out it was fine then started to act squirly what was the water like you was running on and im going to take it you was all the way on pad?

 

[brownies]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

Didn't get a chance to raise the motor. Still does the same thing though. <br />1st time out was large river in the current, across current, up and down. Water was "choppy" .<br />All the way on the pad 60mph and stable. If it had more speed, I wasn't looking for it. Just a nice test run or seven.<br />Second and third times out...lakes, fairly smooth water, burned about 10 gal fuel.<br />I'm now getting "used to it" and don't feel "as much" uneasy, but, it still starts over 50mph and gets worse as 60 is approached.

 

[Ron G]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

my bumblee bee does the same thing at high speeds if theres a little chop i can run about 60 to 64 before it gets loose when the lakes calm it srarts about 50 but after about 5 tanks of gas i can drive it out of the walking with little jerks on the steering wheel to the left it just takes time and practice theres nothing like going fast in a basss boat!

 

[Ron G]

Re: chinewalk (patches of ice?)

i forgot to ask do trim it back down a little when it starts to walk?