CONDITIONS AFFECTING OPERATION
50
Weight Distribution
Positioning of weight (passengers and gear) inside the boat has
the following effects:
Shifting weight to rear (stern) may:
• Increase speed and engine RPM.
• Cause the boat to porpoise.
• Cause the bow to bounce in choppy water.
• Increase the danger of a following wave splashing into the
boat when coming off plane.
Shifting weight to front (bow) may:
• Improve ease of planing.
• Improve rough water ride.
• Cause the boat to veer back and forth (bow steer).
Bottom Of Boat
To maintain maximum speed, ensure that the bottom of the boat
is:
• Clean and free of barnacles and marine growth.
• Free of distortion and nearly flat where it contacts the water.
• Straight and smooth both fore and aft.
Marine vegetation may accumulate when the boat is docked,
clogging water inlets and causing the engine to overheat. This
growth must be removed before operation.
Cavitation
Cavitation occurs when water flow cannot follow the contour of a
fast‑moving, underwater object, such as a gear housing or
propeller. Cavitation permits the propeller to speed up, but the boat
speed to reduce. Cavitation can seriously erode the surface of the
gear housing or propeller. Common causes of cavitation are:
• Weeds or other debris snagged on propeller or gear housing.
• Bent propeller blade or damaged gear housing skeg.
• Raised burrs or sharp edges on propeller or gear housing.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
