Barchetta Handling
 

I have a 94 Barchetta 3.0L I/O. With passengers or alone, many times when at speed, the boat will "list" to the port side. This requires a hard turn of the wheel to get the boat "flat" again. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Also, I tried to use a Sea Ray foil on my cavitation plate. Bad results. Worked great on other boats I've had. I don't understand.

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

Look at the thread about Smart Tabs, they will be your best "cure".

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

That list to port is caused by reaction of your hull to the torque of your prop. My stainless steel prop caused my boat to list more than the stock aluminum. I'm thinking it's because the SS prop had a wider diameter.

On my boat, smart tabs didn't cure the problem, however, they do allow you to trim the outdrive higher at slower speeds which will level out your ride.

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

Hmmm... Can't say as I've ever noticed that with our '94 182 Barchetta.

Jim

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

Stainless props bite the water harder as they do not flex like aluminum. They can cause a different handling of the boat. The advantage of stainless is they wont flex, or straighten out under load making them better for performance, the bad part is they are so rigid that when you hit something, something in your drive can break before they do.. Aluminum blades are soft so they actually decrease in the pitch as you put them under load.

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

I'm sure the lack of flex in addition to the diameter are contributing factors.

I've struck wing dams and logs, damaged both aluminum and stainless steel, but the rubber bushings have always saved my gearcase so far.

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

What prop are you running, Jim?

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

I've had both a High-5 stainless and a plain old MerCruiser 3-blade aluminum, both 14-1/4", 23p. Currently it's the 3-blade Al, ever since the H-5 was damaged by hitting something on the bottom of the lake.

Jim

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

Interesting... Perhaps the High 5 has less pitch, thus less torque?

Re: Barchetta Handling
 

I also have this problem with my 1994 Barchetta 4.3. I have tried a "whale tail" on my outdrive which helped keep the bow down a bit. Going to try smart tabs next as I still don't think I could pull up an adult on skis. The bow is still too high and won't come down without a peson in the bow. RPMs at WOT is about 5000 with the plate on the drive (was 4800 before the plate). 14 " prop with 19 pitch aluminum. When I have passengers, the boat tips hard to the port side until I start to plane out and bring the trim up. Scary sometimes. Just as baffled as you.
Shawn