Prop and list?
 

Hi all,

I just did a lake trial of my new to me 1987 23' walkaround. The ride was as smooth as can be on a windy choppy lake. I was very impressed! However it was a dog and listed to the port side significantly.

The engine is a 1994 200HP Yamaha. WOT was 5k even. But it was slow as can be. Subjectively as I had no speedo or GPS. I would guesstimate 20mph ish. The prop is Mercury Quicksilver Stainless Steel Propeller 48-73980 A4. 19p. That is a 3 blade 14"D and 19P. Is this a good prop for this hull? What prop would you recommend?

What could be causing the list to port that increased with speed? There was little to no list at low speed? Are these hulls known to list? The trim tabs are not operable at this point but where fully retracted.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I am very exited to own this fishing machine!

James

My boat lists some in a crosswind which is easily overcome with the trim tabs. Other times I fish with a guy that is pretty big and he generally stands more out to the side of the boat, while I generally sit on the leaning post. Again fixed with the tabs.
As far as the speed, I tried a 14x19 prop with my two stroke 225 a long time ago and it really woke it up. I prefer the larger diameter prop sacrificing speed for a better ride with a 15x17. When I had my 200 Johnson, I think I had a 15x15. I think I would try a different prop. Who knows what the previous owner did to it.

I've always had a slight list to port at speed in my 1979 23 Sceptre.
I always chalked it up to ballast not being quite right or something like that.
Only slight, and not enough to cause any distress. Usually just tell some of the "crew" to move around. Or I stick a nephew up on the starboard bow.

This winter I installed a set of Lenco trim tabs.
We'll see if that helps any.

The rotational torque of the outboard can lift the starboard side with a right hand prop causing a list to port.

I hope that is the cause. My other two boats never did that.

Being that this is a 23 Walkaround. Is it under powered with a 200 Yamaha?

James

I’d use a straightedge to check for a hook in the hull back by the transom, esp. on stbd side. One of the 23’ molds Potter sold to SeaCraft Industries supposedly had a hook in it. I’ve seen it in one 23.

Is a hook a concave area?

yes - usually about 1/4"-3/8" deep. It acts like a trim tab being down. Filling the depression usually fixes it but that is a pain. Running the opposite tab down a bit usually compensates - if it doesn't make the boat run too bow down.