Trouble out of the hole

[drummer0901]

82 Mercury 200 on 18 ft ProCraft Bass Boat. 25P Prop. Hi Performance Lower Unit with low water pickup. Boat is rated for 675 lbs. I think

When my brother and I are in the boat, (600 lbs.) with the livewell semi full The boat struggles to get out of the hole. He can lay on the front deck and it will plane out, then things are fine. I have tried lowering the engine with some success, but then I can't get the engine to run in the optimum range. Raise the engine and I can't get out of the hole. Could there be an engine problem such as coil or something else not firing until I get out of the hole? Would a 4 blade prop help? What about 4 blade and lowering the pitch? I have a friend with a 20ft triton with a 200 and never has a problem out of the hole.

Any help will be appreciated

Mark

 

[JT!]

Re: Trouble out of the hole

sounds like you guys are a couple of big boys.
have you tried moving as much weight forward, such as gear and maybe your brother as well? when he's not up front, does the boat sit low in the back?

have you tried alone, and boat unloaded? does it feel like the motor is developing all its power? any engine symptoms? sluggishness on throttle up, etc

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Trouble out of the hole

Is the motor pulling rated rpm with the 25-pitch prop? If not, you need to pitch down to get the motor up into its powerband.

If it is, perhaps ventilation holes in the prop, or a new prop with ventilation holes/slots might help with the hole shot.

Most of the new hi-po props have holes or slots which route exhaust gasses over the prop blades to give a "controlled ventilation" which lets the motor spin up faster. Once underway, exhaust gasses are pulled out the prop via venturi action and the holes have minimal effect.

Attached is a diagram showing where you'd drill these holes. If you were to do this, start out small and don't go too large, or you'll get "uncontrolled" ventilation!

HTH..........ed

 

[j_martin]

Re: Trouble out of the hole

My 18 ' with a XR4 (150) had a pretty sloppy hole shot. There was a pin in the mid limiting the down side of the trim. It's there so some dummy doesn't try to go flat out on plane with the engine tucked all the way in, which is a good way to experience a hook turn that'll put you through, not over a gunwale. I removed it so I can tuck the engine all the way down for blast off. Now it's like a sling shot.

If your engine won't spin up, ie bogs badly, either you have a tune problem, or need the ventilation as above. I run a high five vented prop that lets it spin up about 3 grand standing still, and hooks into the lake like an anchor in stumps at speed.

Extreme weight of riders is an issue in a bass boat, which is usually designed with all the weight in the back of the boat. I have a 380 lb friend, and when I take him fishing I have to prop down 2 inches, and if the live wells get filled, put him in forward seating to get going.

In looking over your post once more, I think your prop is probably a little steep for the load. Judging from your description, you're probably surfacing the prop to the point of excess slippage to get rpm's on the motor. Hip shot guess, I'd try a 23, or even a 21 inch high five on it.

hope it helps
John

 

[drummer0901]

Re: Trouble out of the hole

When I am by myself, things are fine, pops out of the hole fast, and I can't hold on mph above 60mph because of the chine walking (or I am just too scared). The motor does not seem slugish or lack of power when on plane, Perhaps a vented prop would help. Would you still go down in pitch? 4 blade? I am not worried about top end speed falling off