Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

[DJHile]

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

For some reason it wouldn't take my text the first time and it won't let me edit my post so here is what was supposed to be the OP:

Hey everyone, my name is Dustin and this is my first post on the forums. LOVE the community here! I recently purchased my first boat, which is a (title says 16.5ft) Bayliner Capri w/ the 2.3L 4cyl TKO Cobra motor that turns ~128hp. The boat wasn't in bad shape when I purchased it about a month ago. The upholstery was re-done about 2 years ago and there are a few scratches and some fading on the outside of the boat but that is to be expected for it's age. I had the motor worked over and tuned up after having some trouble with it starting. The mechanic did a fuel system check up & service, oil change & filter, carb diagnosis, repair & tune, & diagnosed and changed a bad coil. My total parts replaced were the ignition coil, 1 point, condensor, rotor, dist cap, all spark plugs, 1 of the plug wires, choke coil, fuel filter, in carb fuel filter, oil & filter.

Do you think there is anything else I should check and replace or any other maintenance or updates you would recommend?

Now, the real reason I am here... I had recently replaced the prop on this boat because one of the blades had a pretty good bend and there were quite a few dings on the other two. The prop that was on the boat when I purchased it was a 13 3/4 x 13 and when I talked to a prop dealer he recommended that I install a 13 x 19 instead to preserve the longevity of my boat's motor. Apparently, that prop would be working my motor too hard and keeping it at too high of RPMs. Before installing the new prop, I was turning about 4500-4800 RPM at almost WOT. Now, I'm lucky to hit 3,500 trimmed all the way up with the hydrofoils right on top of the water. My hole shot had diminished and I'm staring at the clouds for a good 10 seconds before I hit plane. I have done some research and I see there are a TON of great recommendations for the Smart Tabs on a smaller boat like mine; however, I am having a little trouble with installation. I know that I am supposed to mount the actuator flat to the same surface but I'm falling about 3 inches short of being able to do so as I have a big curve in the way. I have attached pictures for reference below. Is there anyone who has a boat similar to mine that has any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

You should be turning 5200-5600 RPM @ WOT with that motor... You are lugging the hell out of it with that much pitch. The prop dealer did you no favors.

Smart tabs are not the answer here, although they would probably help with other issues... The proper size propeller is the answer.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

You should be turning 5200-5600 RPM @ WOT with that motor... You are lugging the hell out of it with that much pitch. The prop dealer did you no favors.

Smart tabs are not the answer here, although they would probably help with other issues... The proper size propeller is the answer.

Do you mean I was lugging the hell out of it with the 13 pitch prop or the new 19 pitch prop? What size/pitch prop would you recommend personally? It seems to me that it lugs MORE with the 13x19 prop than it does with the new 13.75x19. Or am I just crazy?

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Wow. I dont know why I can't edit my posts. That was supposed to say "It seems to me that it lugs MORE with the new 13x19 prop than it did with the old 13.75x13. Or am I just crazy?"

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Do you mean I was lugging the hell out of it with the 13 pitch prop or the new 19 pitch prop? What size/pitch prop would you recommend personally? It seems to me that it lugs MORE with the 13x19 prop than it does with the new 13.75x19. Or am I just crazy?

In your original post you said you went from a 13 pitch prop to a 19 pitch prop. Now you say you just went from one 19 pitch prop to another with a slightly larger diameter... Which is it?

You are lugging the boat if you're at 3500 rpm at WOT... You were much much better off at 4800 rpm, and even that was below WOT spec for your engine.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Wow. I dont know why I can't edit my posts. That was supposed to say "It seems to me that it lugs MORE with the new 13x19 prop than it did with the old 13.75x13. Or am I just crazy?"

Ok, now we're on the same page. Yes, it is lugging with the higher pitch prop because its limiting your RPMs @ WOT to almost 2000 rpm under spec! That horrendous bow rise and eternity waiting for the boat to plane is a direct result of your engine not being able to get the boat out of it's own way due to being overpropped.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Ok, now we're on the same page. Yes, it is lugging with the higher pitch prop because its limiting your RPMs @ WOT to almost 2000 rpm under spec! That horrendous bow rise and eternity waiting for the boat to plane is a direct result of your engine not being able to get the boat out of it's own way due to being overpropped.

Makes sense. I'm still brand new to the boating world and trying to learn as much as possible so thank you.

Do you agree with the prop dealer that 13 was a little too steep? Should I try settling somewhere in the middle? Say 13x15 or 16? Would going back to 13.75 instead of 13 diameter help too?

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Do you agree with the prop dealer that 13 was a little too steep? Should I try settling somewhere in the middle? Say 13x15 or 16? Would going back to 13.75 instead of 13 diameter help too?

No, I disagree with the prop guy completely. If a 13 pitch prop left you on the low side of WOT RPM spec, then going higher in pitch is just going to make things worse... Diameter plays a tiny role in relation to prop design and pitch, so that is not relevant for this conversation.

This article will give help you garner a basic understanding of prop dynamics:
http://turningpointpropellers.com/propellers_101_cm.htm#pitch

Now, you mentioned that 13 pitch prop you originally had was bent and dinged up. I would start by going back to a fresh 13 pitch prop and seeing what your WOT rpm is and how the boat performs.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

That is already in the works. I'm having the old prop re-bent and balanced. I think he said he was going to re-pitch it just to make sure it was a true 13 also. We will see how that works out. It was much cheaper than a new prop and I figured I could always use it as a backup or as a ski prop. It pretty much jumped up out of the water and got a great holeshot with the 13 on it but would bounce quite a bit up front.

I would still like to try the Smart Tabs just to see if they make such a great difference like everyone is talking about. Does anyone who has a similar experience think that this setup would work? (Not the way they are, of course, just wanted to give myself a visual before I started drilling holes!)

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Nauticus recommends the stainless versions of the Smart Tabs when mounting on dissimilar planes... However, I know that some people have used the SX's in the manner you're trying to (with instructions from Nauticus) and reported good results.

I would recommend emailing Nauticus pictures of your transom and asking their advice. They have awesome customer service and will take care of you.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Just sent in the email. Thanks! I was also just curious what other people with a similar boat or situation have done.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Welcome to iboats!

I believe your boat is the same as the '88 model, and my '88 manual says the boat came with a 13.75 x 15 prop. A 19" pitch is way too much prop for that little motor, as you have found out with the poor holeshot and low WOT RPM.

The water pump impeller and any other rubber parts should be replaced.

 

[Trooper583]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

Once you get your prop issues settled I would personally reccommend the smart tabs. I think the planing problem you were talking about is directly due to the prop pitch that you installed. My boat planed pretty quickly before I installed the tabs and I am running a fairly high pitched prop (meant for higher top speeds as opposed to holeshot/takeoff). I was skeptical about spending $120.00 and seeing a big difference but I did truly get some great results. When reading Nauticus' install instructions, they will tell you to mount them as far outward on your transom while still having at least 3 inches (I think that's right) from the outside edge of your hull. With my Rinker, the hull design strictly limited how far out I could place them which directly effects how well they work. Even with mine placed very far inboard they work great. Here is a link to a post I made about my install.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=505503

 

[choppywaters]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

I just ordered the stainless version due to the uneven mounting area. My swim platform comes way out and I have the speedo and fish finder wires preventing me from placing them on the port side so I had to go with the ss versus the sx. They are a bit more but I found them for 139.00 on boatersland.com so not much more for the right ones. I too have an awful time getting on plane and when it does it just takes off so I'm going to a 17p 4 blade prop I think. Our boat is used primarily for tubing and cruising around, I don't really have the need to go 50mph.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

The prop should be done some time this week and I can't wait for that. Hopefully I can call Nauticus tomorrow and talk with someone and see what they think about how I have it set up in the pictures above. I'm thinking it will be ok and I won't have to go with SS because I'm not really mounting to the UNDER side of a swim platform BUT what does raise a little concern is the pitch from the tab to where it mounts on the transom. It is a little more straight and up and down than most installs I have seen. I just want to get their input before I start drilling holes.... praying this setup will work though because I'm excited to take these fins/foils off and take her out and see how the Smart Tabs hold up!

 

[choppywaters]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

You might have to use the furthest hole on the trim plate to get any type of angle. Let us know what they say.

 

[DJHile]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

You might have to use the furthest hole on the trim plate to get any type of angle. Let us know what they say.

I heard back from Greg @ Nauticus yesterday and he said that the way I had them mocked up looked like it would make for a fine install so I went ahead and proceeded with the install yesterday. I have to go grab a new cutting blade to notch out a small section under my swim platform to allow the adjustable PR500 bracket to fit. I HAD to go with the adjustable lever bracket because the tabs cover my brake lights on my trailer when @ the 25% angle. Plus, I do a lot of beaching/parking at the local sandbar also. I'll post pictures later today once I get it done. I'm hoping to take her out tomorrow and see how she rides!

 

[choppywaters]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

I heard back from Greg @ Nauticus yesterday and he said that the way I had them mocked up looked like it would make for a fine install so I went ahead and proceeded with the install yesterday. I have to go grab a new cutting blade to notch out a small section under my swim platform to allow the adjustable PR500 bracket to fit. I HAD to go with the adjustable lever bracket because the tabs cover my brake lights on my trailer when @ the 25% angle. Plus, I do a lot of beaching/parking at the local sandbar also. I'll post pictures later today once I get it done. I'm hoping to take her out tomorrow and see how she rides!

Definitely let us know, mine will be here tomorrow. I'll have to snap a few pics too. I'm probably going to replace the prop. but we'll see what these do first. This is working out a bit too good, tabs will be here tomorrow, Fri-Sunday sunny and in the high 70's/low 80's

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Smart Tabs SX on 1989 Bayliner Capri OMC 2.3L 4cyl

I`m going to sub to this one. I have a 1700 capri that I would like to add tabs to but my swim platforms come out from the transom and I`m not sure it will work. Probably should take some pics and send them to nauticus and see what they have to say.