Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hi all. Recently took delivery of a new G3 Suncatcher w a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke. Have had it about a month now and really love this boat. While out today, and setting in the back (finally got the wife to drive!!,), I noticed that when the boat is on plane the amount of water coming up and around the engine cowling seemed to be a helluva lot more that it should be. Water was actually coming up to the bottom of the engine cowling. At WOT it was the same level. I have had a tough time getting the steering to even out with the trim tab adjustment, and after seeing this, I am convinced they got the damn motor too low. I had never paid any attention to this and probably wouldn't have noticed had I not been back there. Boat has a extended transom mount so I couldn't lean far enough over to see where the cav plate was but with all of the water it was puking back into the center transom from hitting the front of the motor I can't imagine it's right. It's in the bottom hole. Didn't have a camera or phone on me to shoot some video or pics. Running a 13.5 x 12 p stainless which gives very little stern lift.

I checked another duplicate boat the marina dealer had in stock and it was mounted one hole higher. Took the marina guy out for a ride and he shrugged his shoulders and said it looked normal. Well, it doesn't. The hard steering or lack of being able to correct the pressure differential is compounded by this .
Test drove t he other boat that is mounted in the higher hole before I bought this one and it pulled another 5 miles an hour . Same motor, same boat, different hole location.
I told them it needs raised and they are going to do it , somewhat reluctantly, I think.
Not trying to be a pain in the ass but I damn sure want it right.
If anyone has any feedback and or have the same boat, please jump in...

That's how my Manitou was when I first bought it, too. It was so low that you could feel the boats bow plow when getting into tall rollers. I raised it 2 holes and it helped it out a lot. Then after awhile I noticed how much different props, fuel and passenger loading was effecting the ride and performance. That's when I decided to buy the jackplate. Then you could adjust while driving. I can't wait until the new building is done, so I have a place and can find the time to play with the Premier. I've raise the motor 1 hole, it helped. But it needs a jackplate, too. Its has a lot more potential to be tapped out, yet.

Yea, raise it up a notch, hell, worse thing can happen is you catch some air and it cavitates a little.

One thing I noticed about tritoons. There is a whole lotta water coming between those tubes that used to run under the boat. I had to revamp my controls and steering hoses so as not to get them torn off.

Talked to G3 today and they agreed it wasn't right and suggested I have it raised a hole to start. Didn't seem to have an answer as to why they mount em in the bottom hole. Also the marina took a rental out mounted in second hole and it was noticeably different than mine....gonna get it changed out this week. Will let you know how it turns out.

I raised mine up two holes to the top and have had a big improvement in performance. I think the dealers typically mount them lower to be conservative. Last thing they want is a bunch of people coming back due to the prop sucking air because the captain loaded his boat with everyone in the front and is trying to slalom through a twisty river.

I would suggest you try moving two holes. If its good, then leave it there and you're better off for going up two holes. If it ventilates too much, then you know the next hole down is right.

I do have to work my trim a bit more down on a hole shot or when pulling a tube, but I'm super glad I moved my motor up.

Good luck!

Marina called and got the motor raised up one hole. Said it was a vast improvement and has eliminated all of the issues we had. We will see if it's right when I go down this weekend. If it's not, they are raising it up one more...hope for the best.

I've considered raising mine up 2 holes all summer since I cannot get close to seeing the trim tab while running WOT. There is so much water firing out from the tunnels, it is impossible to see. We never run fast with a big crew up front so my thinking is there would not be any issue of ventilating.