24P Bravo, too much port roll
 

I'm posting this here because you guys have a similar hull and beam as my 24' Pantera:


Could only turn 5000 RPM, still had the port tab over 3/4 down (see picture) If I raise the port tab, the RPMs and speed start to increase, but the boat really rolls left bad, almost uncontrollable. Also if I trim up at all from full down, the nose starts bouncing all over the place.

I have checked my drive for play. . .None

I have checked the trim limit spacer. . .its towards the transom

I have tried (5) different styles of props . . . all roll boat

I am at wits end and am getting really disappointed....any other ideas before I give up?

I get some roll to port when I am coming on plane. I guess that is normal for RH rotation. Once I trim up a little bit she evens right out. Every now and then, I think it depends on the way the tide or wind is blowing, I will have to use an unordinary amount of port tab as you explained. Are you saying that this happens all the time?

Do you have 650HP? If so, something is definitely wrong. I have a 454 mag (385hp) and I turn a 26P bravo a 5K, sometimes a little more when it is cool out.

Hey Dave,

Post a picture of your boat from the stern. I think his k-plane is mounted real high.

Here is my boat:

My 1989 Pantera from the stern:

Here's a pic of my setup. I don't think that is the problem though. You shouldn't need tab just to keep your boat level unless it is a weight dist. issue (re:fat ass passanger!). I usually only use tab for rough water ride. Sometimes if the water is low and I need to get going fast I will use them.

Dave,
Did you have a leaning problem when your steering was on the blink?
Kirk, I think his name is Kirk, has the same single ram add on steering as you. Could this be part of the problem?
The guy I bought my boat from added the twin ram when he put his 500+HP engine in. 650HP is allot for such a small boat.
The previous owner of my boat would set the K-planes with a straight edge at neutral before making a speed run. Told me he would only trim with the drive. 85mph at 5600rpm with a 26 Bravo I.

My steering problem turned out to be a severly worn gimbal ring. Before I got it replaced the boat would pull hard to the right when I trimmed real high at speed. I don't have this problem and more.

Dave is probably right, the K-Plane location should not matter that much.

My money is on a steering problem.

Kirk, I know that you have check your steering, but
your single ram add on system may not be able to handle the power you are throwing at it.
Talk to MM about adding a second ram. At least it will eliminate the cable helm from the equation.

I am by no means an expert, but I have owned and run a few boats.
I had loose gimbles and cable steering on a 28' Cigarette, that boat walk all over the place until we fixed the gimbles and cable helm.
There is nothing like having twin ram external steering. My boat will only go 67mph at best, but I can let go of the wheel even in a good chop, and she goes straight.

Good Luck, You will get it worked out...

Pat,
Do you only take transom pics when you have the outdrive off?:D You know they look better without the rope.:p

Brian

OK Brian, here is one without the rope...