|
More Weight and Power (20-5)
by Steve Horsfall
|
For am contemplating
upgrading from a 21-foot bowrider to a model in the
24-foot range. Our family loves to ski and tube. We
sometimes bring our friends along. Will the extra weight
and wetted surface of a 24-footer drastically affect
the hole shot? Will it also affect the boat’s
ability to pull my 210-pound frame out of the water
with ease, even with a big-block and dual prop configuration?
What are your recommendations?
I.Gilson (e-mail)
I don't think you will have any problems if you choose
a big-block engine and dual propeller stern drive. These
units deliver an awesome amount of power. I would recommend
a boat with a shallow V-hull, unless you use the boat
in extremely rough water conditions. The deeper the
V, the better the ride in rough water, but it’s
also slower out of the hole. If you want a good ride
and optimum hole shot, install hydraulic trim tabs to
the deep-V hull if necessary.
POWER DELAY
I have a 16-foot bowrider powered by a 1989
Mercury 90 hp oil-injected outboard. When I first start
the engine at the beginning of the day, it seems to
lack power for the first 20 minutes. During this time,
the engine occasionally surges until it reaches full
power. After that, it runs trouble free.
A mechanic at my local marina checked the engine but
was unable to determine the problem. I have changed
the plugs and replaced the ignition coils. I leave the
engine in a vertical position when not in use. I would
appreciate any suggestions.
J. Ashworth (e-mail)
The first thing you need to do is check out the spark
situation. You can buy an in-line spark checker, which
features a neon bulb and short piece of high tension
wire that connects between the spark plug and the spark
plug high tension connector. It simply indicates that
voltage is coming out of the coil and determines when
the ignition is working at each cylinder. Wait until
the unit is low on power and install the spark checker
on each spark plug wire. The unit should light up when
the engine is running or cranking over. If it doesn’t,
you’ll need to repair the ignition for that cylinder.
I can’t see the ignition causing problems such
as yours, unless the choke is applied too much in the
morning or a plug is wet or fouled. The cause may also
be a dirty carburetor or a problem in the oil blender.
INCREASING THE FREQUENCY
This is a long shot, but I was looking online
for information about a Unimetrics Sea Hawk marine radio.
I am trying to learn how to program frequencies into
my radio so I can have the UK Coast Guard frequency
of 156 MHz. I am in the Auxiliary Coast Guard in the
UK and it would be very useful to have Channel 0 on
my radio. Is there any way you could help with this?
D. Ball (e-mail)
Check with Lectron Radio in Peterborough, Ontario. Its
e-mail address is www.lectronradio.com or you can write
to: Lectron Radio, Units 11-15, P.O. Box 1177, Peterborough,
Ontario, K9J 7H4.
Got a question, a problem? Send inquiries to Steve
Horsfall at info@powerboating.com.
Fax: 905-624-6764. (Page
Top) |
|
|
|
