HELP, Suddenly losing momentum when under power

[Ron Burgundy]

I have this problem occasionally. Usually if I have some grass on the leading edge of the skeg, or if I am running the same direction as the waves and the stern gets lifted up too much and the prop grabs too much air. May be ventillation also. I am not sure what the exact difference is.

[2875RLXIO]

I have this problem occasionally. Usually if I have some grass on the leading edge of the skeg, or if I am running the same direction as the waves and the stern gets lifted up too much and the prop grabs too much air. May be ventillation also. I am not sure what the exact difference is.

I have had the problem after picking up grass as well.

[Bamaman]

Yep! Cavitation.

1. Put one of the doel fins on your cavitation plate--needed on every pontoon boat.
2. Move the load to the rear.
3. Look into changing props--consult a full time prop shop for advice.
4. See if the engine mounting plate can be lowered or cut down somewhat.
5. Last resort: Adjustable jack plate--10" thick. This will move the engine back, where the water curls up and feeds the prop. They're not too terribly expensive, and are available at Overtons or any boat dealership.

[Ron Burgundy]

Yep! Cavitation.

1. Put one of the doel fins on your cavitation plate--needed on every pontoon boat.

Can you explain why? I am considering purchasing one, and would like your opinion. Are there any downsides?

[GregF]

I am sort of curious about why he thinks everyone with a pontoon needs a fin myself. I see dozens of pontoon boats around here (maybe the most popular hull) and I have never seen one with a fin,

[GXPWeasel]

I am sort of curious about why he thinks everyone with a pontoon needs a fin myself. I see dozens of pontoon boats around here (maybe the most popular hull) and I have never seen one with a fin,

Agreed. I was under the impression that IF you had cavitation issues, that couldn't be resolved by the other more common know fixes, then give the doel fin a shot. Other than that, you're probably wasting money. Those were designed originally to help bowriders' plane out quicker, and we all know that most toon's don't "plane".

That being said, I think that there are 2-3 members on here that do have the doel fin, and they have them b/c of cavitation. Yet I also know of another member who removed a doel fin that was on his motor, and cavitated, and then his cavitation was gone.

I think it's too general of a term to say that All pontoons need them, as I belive that in fact, very few of them would ever benefit from a doel fin.

[g8tors09]

Alright,
So far I have noticed a bigger problem with rougher water. If I am going about 5000 rpm and straight thru waves it will happen. Of course that means the prop is really getting close to the surface. I will try some load configurations out anr speed issues then go for a fin.

[slingshot]

Why don't you try Tap Fins....................anyone. They'll make all your problems go away.

[badmoonrising]

[margaritaman]

Why don't you try Tap Fins....................anyone. They'll make all your problems go away.