Need some advice on a 35
 

What I have is a 99 lightning single step that i bought a couple of years ago. It has has hp500 with small blowers Imco neutral extension boxes with shortys, Also has Arneson rocker plates. My problem is it starts to porpoises above 55-60 mph has anybody seen or done a setup like this?
Thanks

Just a suggestion, but try dropping the K-planes down a couple spaces?? From the sound of the set up, seems like previous owner just wanted topend. If you were to take the "Shorties" off an put regular lowers on should fix it, I am guessing, in mid ranges the bow is dropping allowing teh props to cavitate, thus resulting in porposing?

WILL:drink:

I agree

bloneincome
 

bob is it summer yet , we need to get the 35 out .:ernaehrung004:

Are the extension boxes doing any good? I understand the shorties, but thought the boxes might cause the boat to to trim differently.

Will, one of issues is it doesnt have standard k planes it has Areson rocker tabs not exactly sure why, nor exactly sure how they are supossed help or hamper. Was told the previous owner wanted to run bow high in Lake Tahoe. But I cant get a hold him to ask why the set is the way it is.

Had a 99 w / 500s myself and never experienced this trait at any speed. Also have couple friends with single steps, one had a 97 with shorties and regular K-tabs, one a 99 with shorties and boxes and the longer K-tabs, both have big power and run above 100. Been in both and never did this either. Know someone that tried the rocker plates and didn't like the way they acted, switched back to the K-tabs. Don't remember exactly what it was he did not like about the Arnesons. The 35 pretty much runs on it's own, very little, if any, tab input required once on plane. Could be the hull does not like the hook / rocker induced by the Arnesons.

So it sounds like I should start by putting some k planes back on. Any suggestions on removing the silicone/glue that holds them on.

i've used piano wire pulling it back and forth until i worked it loose. I also have a 35' w/big power, rides like it's on a rail.

They are held on with 5200.. after removing the bolts put a wood block and floor jack under the tab and apply some pressure they will most times pop off if not the piano wire trick will work. (Tim)
not Summer yet how is your project coming along??

I can vouch for that!!! MV 35s old ride, correct?

Been there at 105 with Monte, this is one of the boats referenced in my post above, the 97 Lightning. Awesome boat, definitely "On a Rail". I believe that 110 mph was the final dialed in number.

you're correct. still have'nt reset the tattle-tale,109.9 gps from Monte. The best I've achieved 106+.

Thanks for the replys. Got the rocker tabs off I was wondering if I should pull the boxes off as well since the engines are out already. Dont really know if they help on not. Dont see a lot of Fountains with them on.

I have read more articles that extension boxes seem to hinder the performance of fountains than help

The new twin steps, pretty much all sizes, seen to like the Merc ITS set up which is an extension box of sorts, less set back than others but still a set back, combined with the short Sportmasters. Fountain is doing a lot with that package now. From what I hear it is the set up for the big top end number.

The single steps, not so sure. A close friend, the other 35 mentioned above, runs boxes and the Imco shorties. Can't remember the gains he had, if any. I need to call him about something next week and will try to remember to ask for the low down on the box deal.

Monte was the ultimate dialer-inner, have never seen anyone as methodical about the process. Paid off, that is one sweet ride you have there.

We were out with Monte one day a few years back running around with John Gossen, the week before his fatal accident, and caught a set of freighter waves at 100+. Just glanced at each other with that "UT-O" not going to be pretty look, it came thru in spades. When it comes to handling at speed there is not another Vee that can do it better than a Fountain. There are times I wish I had kept the single step and beefed up the power to get to the century mark in that hull, they are just awesome to be in at those speeds.

I did let Monte drive the new one this past summer, one day in some 3 footers. His comment was that the Biotch has an attitude. I got a kick out of that coming from him.

When referring to big power are we talking yesteryears power or todays ? I guess I'll try to take the boxes off really dont have anything to lose.

Most 35's dont act like what you are going through. Had a 2000 Lightning with Whippled 540's, standard length drives. It was rock solid over 100 mph. If you over trim it the boat would let you know. Just a thought. What kind of trailer is the boat on? Is it supported properly. You might check the last 4 feet of running surface to see if it has a hook or rocker in the hull. The faster the boat go runs the more noticiable any imperfection will be.

The boat sits on a Myco trailer it seems to be evenly supported the transom sits about 2" ahead of the rear bunk.

big power
 

I don't exactly understand your question, but I would consider this power of today.....

I've seen that pair up close and personal, and they are about as teckie as it gets. We use to refer to them Sandy's boob job.

I didn't really get the question either. Fuel injection would be more "now" than carbs but horsepower is horsepower, and that pair make some serious horsepower. The other Fountain I mentioned above has a pair of PRI 600+ cube naturally aspirated torque monsters, they make some serious power as well.

Horsepower = Speed, get it any way you can! :cool:

I guess what I was implying was, lets say yesteryear big HP less than 750 and todays 750+
By the way that looks like a real nice setup.

Please let me know if you decide to sell the boxes. I am looking for a set. Reach me at [email protected], Thanks!

I've got it now! Both the above mentioned are 750+, not sure on exact numbers, but 750-800 rings a bell. Both were close in power, just different ways of getting there.

I would agree in today's world of "stock" Merc Racing power in the 1000 to 1200 hp range, 700-800 seems small. Makes my 525s little weenies.