Ok, Here's the issue. This is the first boat I've had w/ Sportmasters (& ITS / 525 EFI's).

When I launch the boat at the ramp, the motors won't catch prime (no water flow thru sea strainers) - resulting in two shredded impellars, which have been replaced (whole kit, not just impellars) and back-flushed. Since then, still is doing the same thing. I have to give the engines throttle in order to catch prime (which causes fouling of the plugs - not supposed to give throttle when engines are cold etc... as per the Merc. manuel - I've now found is unfortunatly true).

In advance.... Yes, we are backing the boat more than deep enough, making sure the drives are submerged.

Anyone experienced this and, if so, what did you do to solve the issue?

Joe

This may be a supid question, but have you checked the freshwater flush valves?

are they mounted to high? just a thought.

sea strainer location and plumbing

hope they are not filling from the bottom up??

Arr..Arr.. Arr... Yep! As I mentioned, it will catch prime when given throttle. It's funny this was the first reply. I almost typed that in! Thanks for the quick thought and response.

One of my buddies did that on his 47 and then proceeded to sweat his @ss off for the next two hours (in 90+ degree temp) replacing all three impellars on the ramp! ...remember that, Scott!!!!

Might be... Good thought. The ramp is fairly steep. It's a LipShip, so I'd have to wonder (but it sure makes sense).

I had same problem with just starboard side and replaced impeller still have same problem boat kept on lift ten feet of water and no problem with port side have to rev to 1000 to get it to pick up same engine set up on 05 38 top gun

Hmmm.... Strange? Keep me posted and I'll do the same.

Are you using a "wire reinforced hose" from the sea strainer to the impellar pump ??? If not a dry hose will collapse very easy from the suction of the pump.

Yep... I'm not real technical, but, it's the "stock" set-up from LipShip (the thick/fat black hose - appx. 2" in diameter).

...by the way, Nice avatar/boat! Do you know Bruce Bullock? He's a friend of mine.