Whaler Problem ???

[fbait4562]

I have just purchased a 1974 13.5 foot whaler with a 35 HP merc engine for my son. When he gets the boat up on plane , water splashes up into the back of the boat from the engine. Is this normal or is the engine positioned wrong. We tried adjusting the tilt but it only has a minor efeect on the problem. Any suggestions????

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

Whoa -- What do you mean water "splashes" up into the back of the boat? It's one thing if the motor is kicking up spray and that is finding it's way to the passengers, but it's another thing if water is getting in over the transom. Is there too much weight in the stern of the boat -- and did you put in the drain plug? I know Whalers are said to be unsinkable, but you probably don't want to test that out.<br /><br />I haven't owned a Whaler, but I think they have a reputation of being a little wet for the passengers (as well as being extremely stable). Maybe the spray you are describing is a feature of the Whaler experience -- but desribe what is happening a little more.

 

[fbait4562]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

It is definitely splashing up. No one gets wet but it just doesn't look normal and it's only at WOT. All the plugs are in and it only takes the water into the small area just in front of the engine so the boat doesnt get water in it.No extra weight in the back either. It may be normal for the whaler but I thought I'd check it out with the board.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

Well, that sounds like it's not too dangerous, anyway. It could be an object kicking up water --something attached to the transom, like the speedometer pickup or the depthfinder transducer -- something like that. It could also be something on the motor leg or anti-ventilation plate -- maybe a zinc? <br /><br />I am thinking of something mounted on the bottom of the transom. It would normally be under water, except when the boat is on plane. A stern-mounted transducer with the front edge (angled edge) tilted slightly below the bottom of the boat could produce a spray up in the air, and perhaps over the transom. <br /><br />I'm just guessing here.

 

[JB]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

Howdy JC.<br /><br />What you describe is not normal for a BW 13.<br /><br />Check that the engine leg is the proper length for the transom. Cav. plate should be close to even with and parallel with the bottom of the boat. '74 models have a 20" transom. Earlier models had a 15".<br /><br />Poorly installed sonar transducers, speedo pickups or other attached to the transom can do this, too.<br /><br />That is one great little boat. I have had two and am now looking for another.<br /><br />Let us know what you find.

 

[acme]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

I agree w/ JB. My grand father has a 17' whaler and mounted the new motor (long shaft) too low and it did the same thing. He eventually got a jack plate for it (only because the motor was a long shaft).<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[fbait4562]

Re: Whaler Problem ???

Thanks for the input. There is nothing mounted on the boat at this time, such as transducer etc. I will look at the shaft and see how long it is and try to make adjustments from there. I'll let you know how we make out. Thanks for all the suggestions.