motor position question

[d.tro]

I recently purchased a boat with a mid 80's 25 merc. I cannot find any ID to check exact year (it must be there somewhere). Anyways, I took it out for the first time last night. A couple of my first observation were that it pulled to the right pretty hard at any speed (harder at slow speed) and at wot the water seemed to ride up the transom and was splashing into the boat. I've gotta think this has to do with the motor position/tilt. I didn't try any adjustments and I'm not sure right now which hole it is in. I just wanted to get some suggestions before I made any adjustments.<br />One other thing is that it doesn't plane really well with one person. Do I need addition weight in front, or can that also be rememdied by the tilt?<br />The boat it a 14ft aluminum starcraft.<br />A picture of the motor can be seen here:<br /> http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b285/toby2002/CIMG0615.jpg <br />Thanks for any suggestions or date of motor.<br />Thanks

 

[d.tro]

Re: motor position question

ok I just looked, the serial# is 0B397057 and the trim tab is broken off. Is it fairly easy to replace the trim tab. Is it the bolt above?<br /><br />I was told mid '80's, but it sure looks newer. It doesn't have that 80's look to it.

 

[XcellR8]

Re: motor position question

Originally posted by d.tro:<br /> ok I just looked, the serial# is 0B397057 and the trim tab is broken off. Is it fairly easy to replace the trim tab. Is it the bolt above?<br /><br />I was told mid '80's, but it sure looks newer. It doesn't have that 80's look to it.

Yes it's just the bolt above. This is what puts a bit of bias on your steering so your boat wants to go straight (setting it is a trial and error thing).

 

[d.tro]

Re: motor position question

I've also discovered that the transom was modified from short to long. It currently measures 19" and the motor is a long shaft. Should I raise it an inch?

 

[joblo33]

Re: motor position question

Hi, It's a 1989 made in USA.<br /> http://www.maxrules.com/graphics/merc_pdf/merc_pages_15thru17.pdf <br />Try trimming the motor up a bit to stop that water splash.<br />Eric

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: motor position question

It looks just like my '88 long shaft, which I use on an aluminum 14' Blue Fin (20" transom), a similar rig to yours. If the motor pulls hard one way, it may need to me moved right or left slightly, so the lower unit cuts through the center of the boat's slipstream. Try moving it slightly while you're out on the water. Eventually you'll get it in just the right spot. I'm not sure how much difference the trim tab really makes. Mine was broken off when I got the motor years ago and I never replaced it. My motor steers fine. Tilting the motor down a notch when you're solo will help it plane better and eliminate "porposing" (bouncing)at higher speeds. I put my tank near the bow which helps some too.<br />Raising the transom an inch or so may help eliminate the spray. There's a couple of water deflector tabs on the front of the lower unit that will block the spray if the motor's the right height.

 

[d.tro]

Re: motor position question

I noticed that the ACVP was quite a bit under the hull. I put a treated 2x2 under the clamp bracket. I hope this doesn't cause too much stress on the transom (it is up near the top). The clamps have a full bite, so hopefully I should be OK. Now the ACVP is about even or a little bit under. I will give it a try soon.

 

[Coolmaker]

Re: motor position question

The cavition plate should be about a 1/2 inch above the bottom at the stern and it will not spray the water up anymore. Also, make sure the motor is centered and install a new trim tab. That will make it a good ride... good luck..