Saturday test run.
 

I got to use the Thunder yesterday. I stil have a little more work to do. I cant believe how this boat rides!! I didnt get to run it hard because it still has old fuel in it. Im sure its going to
be good. I do have a question about trimming it up. I may not have a problem it may be me. This is the first dual engine boat I have owned. And the first dual engine boat I have ever rode in.
First off my other boat is a single engine Sonic 260 Prowler.
I can run this boat with 2 dots up (1/4 on the guage) all the time. Its a 71-72 mph boat topped out.
I can run it 4 dots up (close to 1/2 on the guage at full throttle) and the boat still drives ok
and handles ok. With that much trim it slows it down but there is no loss of controll. It does not have hydraullic steering.
Now I tried out my 32 Active Thunder. I put the trim up about
2 numbers and the boat felt great and ran good. It also felt stable and very easy to controll at speeds. (60 to 80 mph) I was just playing with it and everything was fine. So I went to take the boat to full throttle and started to run the trim up like I do with my sonic. I put the trim at about 4 dots up, 3/4 throttle,the gps was 88 mph. and I went to move the wheel just a very little to the right and it went hard to the right. Then I pulled it to the left to correct and it went hard to the left. I was pulling the throttles back at the same time this happened to slow the boat and keep control.
If I was rumming 96/98 mph I dont think I could have saved it.
Do you guys think I had to much trim?
Does the 32 not like over 1/4 trim?
I did get to run it last saturday and it did not to that. But I never put any trim in it and I run the boat up to 86 mph at 3/4 throttle.I didnt have any problems steering the boat eather. Is hydraluic steering a must for this mph or does it just make it better.
Please Tell me your thoughts on this.

short video
 

anything over 70 and you should have hydraulic steering. the boat sounds mean in the short vid. congrats on the new purchase

I believe he is saying the old Sonic does not have hydro.
What do you have for power? It sounds like you're making some HPs. Sorry I can't help you on the trim in a 32 but I'm sure some of these guys can help out.

I run my 32 with 500hp 3/4 trim at 85 mph and handles like a dream, i do have ext steering and my hull is a bit diffrent at the notch in the rear i belive being a 2000. nice boat sound like you got some hp, im putting mine back together with in a couple weeks should make around 600 hp.

They are custom bbc N/A 625hp
Yes, I dont have hydraulic steering on eather boat. Im going to put is on the Thunder asap.

Are the gimble's tight? Is there play side to side at the drives?
Is there any play at the tiller where the steering cable hooks?
FULL HYD steering is the way to go at the speeds you are talking about and nothing less.

Thanks for all your replys. I just went out and checked it.
The up and down in ok. But the side to side is 4"to "' of loose.
I wasnt sure if that would tighten when the engines were running with the power steering pump.
Where do I need to take the boat for the full steering install?
Whos the man?

Sounds like the gimble's are not much good also. You don't want any slop in there. I don't have a clue where to go in KY

I dont mind to take it out of state if needed. If I do it myself whats the best company to buy it from? Single ram dual ram
pros and cons?

With twins you have twin ram system. Marine Machine is what Pat puts on them.
Do it yourself, not that hard.

What he said.

Im going to call them. Thanks again.
Timmy.

sounds like your gimbals are worn out, running that kind of speed I would replace them asap even with HD steering.

Did you ever do anything about the burned one in Texas?

Contact EB Marine (Eric) in Nashville. He might be able to help you out. He does all the work on our big toys here.

I agree with all that has been said.

And to add one more comment, don't run the boat again until you have hydraulic steering on it and have the gimbals checked out.

Your current set up is not only completely worn out, but unsafe for that kind of power.

Ditto!!!!!!!

I am sssuming you meant 4-5 inches" of play, not feet', either way thats not good, get it fixed, and add hydrualic steering.

Sorry its inches. Im going to call Eric and get a price. I may do it myself.
It was the first time I started to go full throttle it may have been
89 or 90 mph. Last weekend I went to 3/4 throttle and was running 86. and it was ok. I did learn a lesson about not having hydraulic steering. That will be my next install. Thanks for all your help.

Im going to stay away from it. I was wanting the boxes and the steering. Im just going to buy new.

timmy
eddie young is your man. hes on here a lot..

Thanks Jeff. Where is he located?
I sure like your new avatar..

Hey Tfarmer, I am in evansville, We come down to the lake and service alot of big boats. We have a shop in Evansville, We are IMCO, Stainless Marine, Lavorsi, Eddie Marine, etc. dealers. We have done several IMCO systems and they are first class!! We would be glad to give you a quote for whatever you need.We can also do the HD gimbal rings from IMCO. S&S Marine 812-464-2550 Randy will get you a quote, my name is Robby

Where is your shop in Evansville located?

We are on South Tekoppel Ave. On the bypass to Dogtown Ramp.Give us a call if you need anything!