Planing Out

Question
Yes, I have a power tilt/trim.
Prop is factory.  I have owned this engine for about 1 year.  Problem started recently.  What else could cause this?
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Followup To

Question -
I am having trouble planning out. Just added a hydrofoil helped a little, still choking down. 16' Dawson fiberglass hull 1984, mercury 60hp bigfoot 200?. Once I get on the water no problem. Is it my hull, engine, or both?

Answer -
Hi Chris

Does your engine have power tilt/trim? If not, you may have to adjust a horizontal pin on the back side of the yoke, just below the power head. This adjustable pin allows the engine to be tilted in toward the transom or out. Try bringing the engine inward and see how the boat responds. Otherwise, the problem could be the prop. Check the pitch and diameter, then consult your local marina for their recommendation. Some props make boats sluggish out of the hole so to speak, but great top end, and vice versa.

Safe Boating
Ron

Answer
Hi Chris

I anticipate you've adjusted the power trim (without success) to various angles, which influences the angle of the bow and how quickly the boat reaches a plane. The Hydrofoil would help get the boat up on a plane a bit quicker, but that's about all you'd accomplish, and is a benefit if you're towing water-skiers.

A standard prop's pitch/diameter may not be sufficient to meet your needs, so it might be worthwhile to experiment with different blade sizes and angles. The problem might be associated with the weight or bottom hull design of your boat, and I'm not familiar with a fibreglass Dawson. Have you added anything to the boat that would affect its weight or the distribution of weight? Sometimes, we add all sorts of equipment or safety gear or spare fuel tanks.

Next time your boat is out of the water, I suggest you check the hull below the waterline for deterioration or damage that could permit water to seep into the boat. Your boat is 22 yrs. old, and its possible you could be experiencing a process called OSMOSSIS, wherein water/moisture impregnates the gel coat, goes through the fibreglass laminates, and into the core of the boat. In other words, the boat becomes water-logged. You can determine the amount of moisture present by using a moisture meter, which many boat repair facilities have.


Since didn't mention any problems with the throttle linkage, I presume it's okay.

Aside from the above Chris, I've done my best to perceive the cause of the symptoms you're experiencing. Perhaps it's time to engage the services of a local marine mechanic to take the boat for a test drive and get their opinion/recommendation.

Regards,
Ron