getting on plane

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I got a question on the best method to get my boat on plane. I have an 18 footer, 3.0 liter, 135 HP, I/O, Mercruiser/Alpha 1 , 19 inch prop, with a max capacity of 900 pounds. The boat will be loaded to 900 lbs with say 3 adults in the bow (400lbs). When starting for a dead stop, is it better to punch the throttle to get on plane or is it better to slowly easy the boat on plane. <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: getting on plane

The boat will be loaded to 900 lbs with say 3 adults in the bow (400lbs).

Get the Load Out of the Bow........<br /><br />Trim the Drive All Down,+ Hit the Throttle......<br />After you're On Plane,....<br />Then somebody can Move Forward........

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: getting on plane

I have a 16 footer with 3.0 and prefer people sitting beside and in front of me. So two can be in front and one beside you. Don't hesitate to address your crew to move them around for best results as you are the captain and in charge of the boat and crew's safety.<br /> <br />Punching the throttle or moving it at a medium speed forward all work. You will need full throttle to get it on plane. <br /><br />Once on plane, trim the motor up until it starts cavitating and then bring it back down to just where the cavitation stops. You have now trimmed your motor for best efficiency.<br /><br />To determine the most economical cruising speed, let off the gas slowly and keep the revs around 3000-3200 rpm or somewhere just before it loses planing speed and starts to drop at the stern/back. You will save loads of gas not going full throttle everywhere.<br /><br />However, none of this is that precise a science. You'll figure out how your boat is best in the water and conditions in the first five minutes on the water. Obviously, bad weather and high waves primarily affect what you can and cannot do.