[00 diablo 00]

I bought my 2001 Diablo 180 at the end of the season 2011. I only had it out three times, but I did have a chance to put some good hours on it when I did. I got to do some cruising, which is where I noticed my first problem. Before I go into that, the boat is the 135 hp 4 cylinder. Once I get the boat up to speed and try to trim it out, it wants to start to porpose if I raise the trim more than a tiny bit. I especially notice this when there is anyone else in the boat other than just me. Wondering if I can add something to make it plane out and ride smoother.

My next concern is the speedometer is not accurate at all. Any ideas?

With exception of those things, the rest of the boat is in very good condition for its age. Most of the hinges need replaced and I am trying to track some of those down. I need a new fuel cap that will stay latched shut. Also my glove box lid and cooler lid have cracks in them. I have a feeling I am not going to find those. Any suggestions on the hinges. Also need the large piano style hinge for the rear bench seat.

Anyway, I would appreciate any help. Thanks!!

[mikeyt]

Do a site search for "Smart Tabs" or have a look at this particular thread. They are the most beneficial thing you can add to your boat to improve planing, eliminate porpoising & provide stability. You will find numerous threads extolling their virtues here.

Do a site search for "speedometer" or look at this post.There are numerous threads discussing this issue. Usually the problem involves a plugged or partially blocked speedo pickup hole on the front of the outdrive. Note though that the speedos are usually 'inaccurate' to a degree anyway & a GPS is the only true measure of speed.

[00 diablo 00]

Thanks Mikey!!
I got the info needed on the smart tabs. I will have to play with the speedometer this spring. I tried to blow it out with an air nozzle but it didn't seem to fix anything. I am planning on buying gps this spring as well. Any suggestion for the gps?

[ShabahZ280]

There's many options for GPS. Basically the best advice is to buy what's in your price range. The mapping/chartplotter GPS units are awesome, if you can afford one. Depending on your boating area, it may even have the charts loaded, with depth, navigational markers, warning areas, and things like marinas, fuel locations, and many more. The newer ones even have satellite imagery loaded so you can see an aerial view of your location.

Garmin makes some great units, I personally have a GPSMap 192. It's a few years old, but it's a large color display, and has all the charts preloaded, plus it fit great flush mounted in the molded space on my dash. Lowrance is another brand that makes good units, however they can get a little pricy. However, Lowrance has a lower priced brand, called Eagle, (which is carried at bass pro shops and places like that). Raymarine makes some awesome units, but they're the top of the line, and you pay the premium price for all of the new technologies they use.

Also consider your use of it. Would you rather carry it on, or have it mounted permanently? If you choose a permanent mount, do you store your boat in a secure area where theft wouldn't be an issue? If not, then you may want to consider a portable handheld unit.

[00 diablo 00]

Thanks Chris,
It sounds like I have some shopping to do. I have just briefley looked in the overtons catalog. I will have to get more in depth and check them out.