Finally had a good day out

[rteichman]

Yesterday I had my first good/fun day with the boat. It wasn't crowded so I was able to take my time backing it in the water with no frustration or worring that I was holding others up. Maybe one day I'll be able to do this in 1 try instead of 20 LOL.

The boat started up and after learning about the river, I opened her up. She ran great getting 55 MPH indicated. I don't really care if it was a true speed or not as it was fast enough for me. The engine just purred the whole time, it was a delight. YAY!

Of course, nothing is ever perfect and I found that the boat loves to porpoise on anything but the smoothest water. My old deck boat had hydraulic trim tabs for things like that. I searched this forum and see some people have extended their ride plate, others installed trim tabs. Any recommendation on which I should do? It's a 2001 Challenger 1800 with the 240 EFI motor.

 

[gioakjoe]

I run with Smart trim tabs
http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX_automatic_trim_tabs.htm

cheep and ez to instal

http://www.***********/gp/product/B001DZ2VVC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

worked wonders for my boat

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

It wasn't crowded so I was able to take my time backing it in the water with no frustration or worring that I was holding others up.

Hmm, but the real problem occurs when someone parks right on the ramp and then goes into the store for fishing tackle, sandwiches, a case of beer and ice.

Nobody should try pressuring you into jackknifing your trailer.

 

[Mick76]

gioakjoe.... those look pretty cool... might have to try a pair for myself..... how much do they stop the bouncing?

 

[rteichman]

I run with Smart trim tabs
http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX_automatic_trim_tabs.htm

worked wonders for my boat

This looks good and is easy to install. However, drilling holes below the waterline scares me! Also, what is the difference between these and extending the ride plate as others have done (at least those don't require putting holes below the waterline)

 

[gioakjoe]

Yes drilling holes makes people nervous so if thats the case maybe the extended ride plate is for you. I have no leaks after doing mine I drilled pilot holes and filled with silicone before i put the screws in and resealed after i put the screws in. the first time out i just sat in the water and watched the holes from the inside to make sure there were no leaks. As for how well they work I have mine set on the lowest resistance and stops the porpoising on most chop but of course on the worst weather its still only a 19ft boat so white caps still get me. I am on a bulk head lake and chop gets really bad.

 

[biffdotorg]

Check the thread on the extended ride plate. This has been an excellent fix for the Mercury powered boats. It's inexpensive, easy to install, and no drilling.