struggling to plane

[itswink]

I have a 2006 crownline 200 ls with a 5.0 mercruiser SN:OW355448. This thing HATES to get on plane. It doesnt even like to plane out with just 2 people. When I have 4 or 5, it takes a while to plane. Once it gets up on plane and starts setting the bow down, it takes off. This is about 20 mph. Once it reaches about 3,500 rpm, it SCREAMS. I mean it sets you back in the seat. Until then, it is a dog. I am running a powertech 4 blade 17 pitch prop.

what gives?

EDIT. also added smart tabs.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: struggling to plane

is your drive trim all the way down?

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

yes

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

with a boat load, i move everyone to the front and it still takes forever. it gets embarrassing.

 

[markheck1]

Re: struggling to plane

I wonder if the foam got wet and you are carrying a bunch of extra water weight?
or possible a timing issue, is it smooth all the way up through 3500?

I assume it's always done this, you haven't had it very long?
or did this start lately?

 

[scoflaw]

Re: struggling to plane

Prop diameter too small? Is it lugging or overrevving when trying to get on plane? What RPM does it top out at?

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

It's lugging to get on plane. It tops out Around 4600 (close to max). It just seems like at a certain point you hit the nos button and it runs.
It seems slower than it used to be. I guess I could drop prop sizes again, but it seems to me like it would perform better out of the hole.

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

And yes, motor seems to be running smooth.
Maybe I am just expecting too much from it.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: struggling to plane

Could be a timing issue with the motor. You should have plenty of power if everything is working correctly. Get someone to read the codes and make sure the motor is running right.

 

[scoflaw]

Re: struggling to plane

Full tuneup with a compression check would be a good starting point. Try your original prop as well. That boat with that motor should jump out of the water.

 

[Don S]

Re: struggling to plane

What is you maximum WOT (wide open throttle) rpm?

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

It's getting close to 4800 2 people and a big full cooler. Max is 48.
What does one need to check the codes?

I More offer have 4 or 5 people though and all their gear.

 

[Don S]

Re: struggling to plane

I'm moving this over to the prop forum, doesn't sound like you have engine issues that are causing the problem.

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

I guess im going to try a 15 pitch. I am running powertech ele 4 17 pitch now.
I just have this idea in my head that I shouldn't have to prop that boat that low.

It runs below 3000 rpm when trying to plane at full throttle. Should it spin up more than that?

 

[itswink]

Re: struggling to plane

I took the boat out yesterday and it didn't even want to plane out with just two people. The engine is really lugging until it reaches higher RPM. It did not used to have this much problem getting on plane. Something has to be wrong but it seems to be running smooth.