Planing Issues....
 

3 month new 1999 ao 26 nsx owner here. Power is a 496 dyno'd @ 585hp. Stern Power outdrive w/ 1:46 gear ratio.I bought it with a 26P prop. Extremely responsive once on plane, especially through 3500-5000RPM range. However, it takes a while to plane. In fact, one trip I had 6 adults on board, and I had to get everyone in the back to stand up foward for it to plane. I have read where these 26's should plane around 3 seconds. Well, I spun a blade off a couple trips ago. My mechanic had a lab finished 28, which I guess after lab finishing, props drop a pitch. So, last weekend I had this '27P' prop on. Had 4 adults on board. EVERYONE, including me had to stand up and lean forward for it to plane. Plus, it took quite a while to plane. 7-8 seconds, maybe more. The boat didnt perform well with this prop once on plane either. So I know now I cant go up a pitch. With my 26P, I was able to hit about 68mph@5500. According to the previous owner, in the dead of winter in Lake Havasu, the boat will hit 90. I know the redline is 6200rpm, with the 'sweet spot' around 5800rpm. Back to the issue at hand, can anyone please take some time to provide what ever insight, or advice you may have as to why this boat is having a difficult time planing? It really doesnt make sense. With the hp , and how tight the performance is w.a 26P - it seems like this boat should plane relatively quick and with ease. Thanks alot.

Re: Planing Issues....
 

the 2600 and NXS , both plane very easily with bravo drives and the correct X dimension. I'm not sure where you're x is sounds as though it has been put very high for high speed, the downfall is they don't plane easily when they are high. you might try more prop blades.

Don

Re: Planing Issues....
 

I know it seems obvious but you could use your trim tabs to get on a plane or drive trim could help, dropping a degree or 2 of pitch should help get on plane faster but hurt top end.

You may want to find a marina in your area that demos props and try a few.

Re: Planing Issues....
 

If the X-dimension is too high, maybe a drive spacer or extension box will help.

Re: Planing Issues....
 

I think that props would be a great start, but with sternpower drives I think the props are hard to come by.

as far as an extension box or drive spacer, also same problem. Stern drive is a great system, however can use a system extension box or spacer without alot of fabrication.

Don

Re: Planing Issues....
 

Props are not a problem on his drive. He is running a bravo style prop. on his drive.

Re: Planing Issues....
 

I dont have trim tabs. But, I have been seriously considering it. Thanks to all. My lower unit on my drive resembles a bravo drive, and I have a BravoI 4 blade on it. Speaking of blades, someone mentioned maybe using a prop with more baldes. Would a 5 or even 6 blade prop help?

Re: Planing Issues....
 

CA southpaw-- Check your P.M. box. Later, Scott

Re: Planing Issues....
 

littledcsrodshop ...

have you had an AO, or familiar with the stern power drives ?

Re: Planing Issues....
 

No american offshore. However I am a little familiar with stern powr drives, I have a MX-107 on my 28 Pantera. Me & CA southpaw have been talking back & forth about his.