Boat wont plane. 1982 SeaRay with 3.8L I/O, prop is a 15" 17, any suggestions? Engine was rebuilt and is .40

Question

It takes forever to plane, motor is very strong was bored .40 over. The original HP was rated at 185 horse. This boat is not a bow rider. Any suggestions will help. The prop is a 15 inch 17.

Thanks

Answer 1

Sounds like engine setup issues> carb> timing> full throttle> not running correct>

disturber not giving full advance>

Answer 2

Try the obvious such as the trim. Make sure you dont have any fishing line or weeds wrapped in the prop. Also check gear oil level and to see if there is water in it. If none of these things are the issue I would then go to the motor. Has the motor been dynode since the overhaul?  May want to check that. Good luck!

Answer 3

Make sure you don't have too much weight towards the stern. If that's not the case , check you aren't taking on water anywhere or the hull isn't waterlogged.

Answer 4

You can try a couple of things :

1- do you have a stingray on the motor, this will help make the boat plane level instead of the bow pointing skyward.

2- how is the boat weighted? Do you have a lot of weight in the back of the boat?

3-Lower the pitch of your prop will increase your hole shot, while a higher pitched prop will decrease your hole shot and give you more top end speed.

I personally would try the Stingray if you dont have one of these you can find them at any boat dealer or Bass Pro or Overton's or online. They normally run about 85-100 bucks,

I have one on my boat and wouldn't be without it!

Answer 5

Depending on the length of the boat, you might want to get some trim tabs on the boat.  maybe you have them now. Some boats have a hard time and bog.  I used to Captain a 37 Trojan international, twin 454's.  The boat had tabs but they were not deep enough.  After going on another Trojan with the same power and specs with different size tabs, the boat planed and increased by 12.5 knots.  It may not Be the prop.