reverse is slow

[Kenlyn66]

I have a 1988 Tracker Pontoon. 16 footer. 25 horse merc on it. The motor works great. My only issue is reverse. It goes in reverse and the motor revs up to maximum RPMs, but it is verrrrry slow moving in reverse? Forward works great. Is it possible there is a cable for the reverse? The propeller is moving in reverse, I move, but just so slowly. any help is appreciated - even long shot ideas.. other than get a new boat. Thanks - in - Advance.

 

[DJ]

Re: reverse is slow

1. You are PUSHING a lot more water in reverse than in forward.

2. Propellers are much less efficient in reverse.

3. You do not get, not supposed to or want FULL throttle in reverse.

 

[Kenlyn66]

Re: reverse is slow

I realize that I don't get full throttle in reverse. I have compared my pontoon with others and there is definately an issue in reverse. Could there be such a thing as "slippage" on the prop in reverse?

Any ideas would help.

I have examined the prop and nothing seems out of order.

 

[lncoop]

Re: reverse is slow

Are the ones you are comparing to powered with 25s?

 

[RKEWL]

Re: reverse is slow

My mechanic keeps on pushing a different prop. He says its better for reverse. Something about the angle. I don't have a problem thou. I have a 28 ft. homemade houseboat with a 9.9 and it works good in reverse. But the one he has says it will do a lot better in reverse. Maybe you can try something like that.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: reverse is slow

I think every boat has is quirks. I just had my old pontoon out tonight to make sure she is running before I put the for sale sign in it. It only has a 25 hp and it maneuvers better than my new boat in reverse. I'm sure the pop has a lot to do with it. Also the trim angle while in reverse.

 

[fastback4]

Re: reverse is slow

1. You are PUSHING a lot more water in reverse than in forward.

2. Propellers are much less efficient in reverse.

3. You do not get, not supposed to or want FULL throttle in reverse.

Perfect explanation DJ............Tom

 

[Kenlyn66]

Re: reverse is slow

Thank you to all of you.

I will try raising the trim. Cheapest solution.
Then swap out a prop which maybe better in reverse.

Thanks so much.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: reverse is slow

Ever heard the term "elephant ear" prop?? Guess what they are intended for. You got it -- pontoons. These props are designed specifically for pontoons and work boats that need lots of push forward and pull in reverse. Study a standard prop and you should quickly see why it works better forward than in reverse. Blade shape, rake, number of blades, and pitch all work together in design. Mercury has a very good pontoon prop.

 

[seldomseen]

Re: reverse is slow

On average, any given propeller is 33% as efficient in reverse compared to forward. Outboard motor controls do not allow throttle butterflys to reach wide open while in reverse as if they did the motors would reach very high rpm's or hit the rev limiter,s pre set rpm. The controls do allow the motor to reach its full rpm or close to it in reverse. Triming in, not out may prevent ventilation and the resulting loss of reverse thrust.