Water in the BOAT

[codyandamber]

How do I know if my boat is holding water somewhere it shouldn't? How can I drain it if it is all the way down? My max speed a couple of months ago was about 50-51mph. A month later 47mph and now 41-42mph. It has been used alot already this year. I have replaced the coupler, and the shift cable. These are the only major things done to it since the problem. Could it be junk in my speedometer line giving a false reading? I have a 1979 Mark Twain with a 305 mercruiser. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[andy h]

Re: Water in the BOAT

are you running at the same rpm's? You may not have the shift cable adjusted right, and not hitting W.O.T

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

The shift cable is engaging correctly.

 

[DJ]

Re: Water in the BOAT

cody,<br /><br />Forget the speedometer. Again, have the rpms. dropped???

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

yes, they have slightly. I have the same prop in case you were wondering that, too.

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Water in the BOAT

Weather, Water Temp and Air temp will affect top speed.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Water in the BOAT

Is the boat trailered or moored? You might need to clean the bottom and check your prop for any damage.<br /><br />Bob

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

The prop was actually refurbished not long ago. I have tried moving to a 21p from my 19p. There was not much change. The weather has been pretty much the same. If the water temp goes up would I not expect an increase in speed if any at all. I do keep my boat on a trailer. I have polished the heck out of it... top to bottom. I appreciate the responses.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

It is also a little sluggish out of the hole.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

It is also a little sluggish out of the hole.

 

[DJ]

Re: Water in the BOAT

cody,<br /><br />If you've lost rpm's and speed and it's sluggish. I think maybe I would pull the boat out of the water and pull the drain plug. See what you get.<br /><br />Also, you may want to be checking the health of the engine.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

I pull the plug out everytime I leave the river. I don't leave it in the water, ever. The health of the engine is fine. I have just done a compression test. Plus all the ignition is new...distributor to plugs and wires to timing chain. It seems like I am carrying some extra weight somewhere, though.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Water in the BOAT

When you go up in pitch on the prop your hole shot will go down and the top end will decrease if you were at the rated WOT with the lower pitched prop. Try going back to the 19 and see what happens.

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: Water in the BOAT

Cody:<br /><br />Weigh the boat and motor and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. If it is much heavier, then you are holding water somewhere.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Water in the BOAT

I did go back to the 19p ss prop. There was minimal change. I have had it weighed and it does weigh more than the manufacturers standard weight. However, it came with a 4 or 6 cylinder in it and now it has a small block chevy. If I am holding water what do I need to do?????