Trouble planing-gctid828247

[Buncrana]

Hi BOC. I have a 1996 2355 Ciera. I seem to struggle to get it to plane. I haven't had it long but even my local dealership really struggled.

On both the levelers an extra plate has been bolted to them adding about another 2 inches of surface area all around. I have no idea why anyone would do this and was wondering if this is the problem? To get it to plane I have to have both the levelers completely down which is the reverse of what I was told. Has anyone encountered this am at a bit of a loss.

[canoel]

What you are referring to are called the trim tabs. Yes it is common to lengthen and widen them to provide more lift to the stern.

You may need to try different ways of getting on plane. Tabs up then slowly lower them, or start with them half way etc etc.

Can you ever get on plane? If so how long does it take?

When you are on plane, what is the maximum rpm you are able to achieve at wide open throttle(WOT)?

[builderdude]

And some details about the engine drive combo and prop are you running along with the number of people and amount of gear on board during.

[Buncrana]

Thank You for taking the time to reply. I see I have an awful lot to learn. I went out with the dealer who installed the engine. He put on a different prop as he couldn't get it to plane the first time. The second time he had to have the tabs fully down and then slowly return them. It is a brand new engine so am still breaking it in so can't give you WOT details yet. The engine is a 357 Mercruiser and it had a full tank of gas with three people aboard.

Thanks again.

[canoel]

If you could fill out your signature in your profile with your boat info, engine, drive etc. that would be helpful.

The only way to tell if you are propped correctly, is to see what the max rpm you are able to achieve is, then we can tune the prop from there.You should be able to hit the maximum rated rpm for your engine when you are at full throttle and on plane with at least a medium load, 2-3 people, at least half tank of fuel etc.

Is the bottom of the boat clean?

[Buncrana]

Thanks again I will see to my profile right away. I think you may have the solution. The bottom of the boat is far from clean. It looks as though the previous owner just kept painting over and over chips. The black paint is really chipped and thick in many places. I have it planned to sand and re-paint during the Winter. Originally (July 2017) I was sold a bill of goods with this boat and the engine blew after being on the water for only 10 minutes. However I loved the lines of the boat and decided to restore it as everything else is in good condition.

I appreciate this forum tremendously and don't feel like I am in the repair shop with their eyes rolling every time I ask a question Ha!. We all have to start somewhere don't we?

Martin.

[CptCrunchie]

"Buncrana" post=828303 wrote:
I appreciate this forum tremendously and don't feel like I am in the repair shop with their eyes rolling every time I ask a question Ha!. We all have to start somewhere don't we?

+1 ...and some of us have far more to learn than others, but as we go, we gradually learn enough to share our opinion. But even then, if we don't quite have it right, those who know are polite in their corrections. BOC has saved me lots of boat bucks!

[builderdude]

357 should push her onto plane fairly quick IMO what's the drive ratio and prop diameter/pitch.

[Pcpete]

Sounds like you need to step down on the prop a bit more. Getting the right prop to a particular boat is a bit of black art, experience then trial and error.

[Buncrana]

Thank You will have to ask the dealer and get back.

[Buncrana]

Hi I found out the prop is a three blade 14.5X 19P whatever that means

[CptCrunchie]

"Buncrana" post=828658 wrote:
Hi I found out the prop is a three blade 14.5X 19P whatever that means

14.5 is in inches and that's the diameter of the prop. 19P is the pitch of the prop, also measured in inches, and determined by now far the prop will travel through the water with one rotation.

[Nauti_Mike]

"19P is the pitch of the prop, also measured in inches, and determined by now far the prop will travel through the water with one rotation"

Theoretical; does not account for slippage.

[Learywr]

Buncrana, I also have a 1999 2355 Ciera wich I recently re powered with a mercruiser 5.7. I have the Alpha 1 Gen II sterndrive. I get up on plane very quickly. (no playing with the trim tabs necessary) It originally came with the 5.0 engine, which did not have problems getting on plane either. (although the 5.7 does have a lot more pep) I am not near the boat now..... but in several weeks I will be. I can let you know what prop I have on mine, as it seems to do great. Let me know.

Walter

[MadWill]

I have a 2352 WA with a 350 mpi merc,alpha gen 2 with 1.47 ratio, running a 15 x 15 prop. Quick to plane and top speed of 43nph.