Propulsion issues
Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 8:34 am
This is my first pontoon and I have already had great help with a couple of questions. I went on my third cruise and noticed something that seemed bad.
I have a 24 ft partybarge and a 50hp engnine. I was going downstream and cruising 12mph at maybe 60% throttle with no issues. After an hour we did a return trip up river. Not a strong current river and it is large and deep. I noticed that any speed above 12mph the prop seemed to cavi or lose propulsion. It would act the same as if I trimmed up the engine and it was not in the water fully. It was trimmed down. It would also do this same exact thing if I turned the wheel/motor in either direction. I looked to make sure nothing was dragging from the boat/motor or prop. When going 12mph or higher I did notice that water seemed more pushed away from the prop(not sure how to describe it)....less water in front of motor surrounding it???? Motor is for sure mounted deep enough in water and it only seems like it is an issue and 12mph or higher. On my 2nd trip I had 10 people and it seemed to do the same thing. I just figured it was because I had ten people and they were sitting mid boat and up front pushing the front end of the boat in the water too much. Not that it has done it with me and my wife....all weight in the back. I don't know what to think. I explained it to my neighbor and he was quick to tell me that I need to add "fin" to my motor and it will help keep enough water over the prop so it does not cavitate. He is not always the most experienced person so I usually have to double check his advise.....he is batting 50% usually. If you guys have any insight....I would love the help.
I have a 24 ft partybarge and a 50hp engnine. I was going downstream and cruising 12mph at maybe 60% throttle with no issues. After an hour we did a return trip up river. Not a strong current river and it is large and deep. I noticed that any speed above 12mph the prop seemed to cavi or lose propulsion. It would act the same as if I trimmed up the engine and it was not in the water fully. It was trimmed down. It would also do this same exact thing if I turned the wheel/motor in either direction. I looked to make sure nothing was dragging from the boat/motor or prop. When going 12mph or higher I did notice that water seemed more pushed away from the prop(not sure how to describe it)....less water in front of motor surrounding it???? Motor is for sure mounted deep enough in water and it only seems like it is an issue and 12mph or higher. On my 2nd trip I had 10 people and it seemed to do the same thing. I just figured it was because I had ten people and they were sitting mid boat and up front pushing the front end of the boat in the water too much. Not that it has done it with me and my wife....all weight in the back. I don't know what to think. I explained it to my neighbor and he was quick to tell me that I need to add "fin" to my motor and it will help keep enough water over the prop so it does not cavitate. He is not always the most experienced person so I usually have to double check his advise.....he is batting 50% usually. If you guys have any insight....I would love the help.