Cavitation plate

[ScottM]

Capt Brad,
I've always been told the cavitation plate should be even with the keel. Is the engine running up to proper RPM? Have you changed props? Only used it twice since the restore - bad gas/water in the gas maybe? Is the fuel line clogged? Spark plugs fouled?

By the way, have you talked to that Creole voodoo woman yet? The way the weather is rippin' up here, I think you must have.

[ocuyler]

I think you're supposed to take the boat off the trailer...

[TUGBOAT]

I've only My SeaCraft out twice since the rebuild.I was only able to get Her up to 34 + -.
(GPS) She even feels sluggish . I was getting a good 43 + - before.I figured with a foam transom (- 800#'s of WET/rotted Wood),It would at least increase.I did add eXtra glass aroung the top gunnel (new bite for top deck screws) & around every corner inside. Wasn't that much weight.
Now here's the ?. My cavitation plate seems to be 1" above the keel . I thought before the re-do that it was even ? Merc. '95-150-25" shaft.20' MA CC. Where should it be ? What could it be ?
Scream'n Reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[ December 06, 2003, 12:33 PM: Message edited by: Capt. Brad ]

[TUGBOAT]

[img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[RS]

Originally posted by Capt. Brad:
I was only able to get Her up to 34 + -.
(GPS) She even feels sluggish . I was getting a good 43 + - before. . .What could it be ? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Are you using the same gasoline that was in the tank before the rebuild? If so, it may be the culprit if it is a few months old or more. I had the same situation with old gas.

Also, the cav plate is probably not the issue. In fact, as long as you are not getting cavitation in normal operation or the prop is not breaking away in turns, higher is usually faster.

[TUGBOAT]

Thanks, New gas,same prop, Same everything(well rub rail). I think the oil Mixture was way off,too much ? My tach did not work [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] so next outing I'll be able to get that. It didn't sound like I was pushing the RPM up enough. The linkage ? I'll change the plugs use a lil less oil mix & Hold On ! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I just thought i remebered the cavitation plate being even now its an inch + higher than before.
Scream' Reels [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[JohnS]

Let me know when you are going to go out again and we will hook up and see what the deal is. Only 34???? Something is up. I will put my boat in the water and run down to Homestead Bayfront and meet up with you.......might even tow down to there and put in because the channel is WAY shorter than Black Point.

Hope you won't mind when I blow by you at 60!!!!

[barnacle]

Years ago it was even with the bottom. Today everything is mounted from even to 1" above the bottom. The higher you get it the faster it will go. Rember to keep the water intakes below water level while running at high speeds. The only problem with it being up 1" is that it big seas it may not stayed hooked up. You need to know what your rpms are before you start anything.

[JohnS]

Agreed Joe. I had to move my motor down one set of holes when I first got this new boat. It ran well until I went offshore and then I was having cavitaion problems. Moved the motor down one set of holes and it was fine but, it was also like dragging an anchor at the same time. Lost about 5mph on top end. 60 is fast enough for me anyway...

[TUGBOAT]

Well Thanks again,I can't move it down anymore . I've got the feeling Sparkers & Mixture & RPM .Going out in This Wind !! Could I have someone with as close to a '83 Ma CC measure from the bottom keel to the top of transom? Still looks high. Maybe it'll work out when all is working correctly . Should have left it alone !!
Yeah Right !! I'll take slower,Drink a few more Beers & Faster she'll Seem !!
Scream'n reels' [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]