[donb.]

Hi guys, I am new to the site, I have an issue maybe you guys can help with. I have a 91 1900z with a 5.0l, I have not been able to get it on plane when pulling a 140lb person on a tube and total wieght of around 500lbs in the boat. I had my buddy move to the front and we were able to get on plane fairly easy at that point. I called my local marine dealer in Omaha and he recommended I get rid of the Ballistic 3 blade prop ( 14 3/4 x 17) and go to a 4 blade 14 1/2 x 19. I ordered a set of smart tabs for it so I think that will help a bit from reading the threads in detail. What I'm looking for is if anybody knows of an outfit that might deal in used props in good shape, since this is more of an experimental type situation I really didn't want to spend allot of money on buying different props till I find the right one.

[indykoch]

I think you may have other problems. A 19' boat with a 5.0 V8 shouldn't have ANY problems getting on plane in those circumstances (minimal weight and a 17 pitch prop). Have you had the boat long? Gimbal bearing replaced anytime recently? Is it running rough (need tune-up/carb adjustment)?

I agree, don't go spending the money on different props, escpecially if something else doesn't seem right.

[donb.]

I just got the boat a couple of weeks ago, I had a mechanic check it out and the motor is running good, as far as the gimble bearing not sure when it was last replaced. With my wife and myself it planes out pretty good, takes a bit but does a good job just with the added wieght it has problems.

[rooperdan]

Do you start out with the Drive trimed all the way down. I start with my drive all the way down and as she comes out and starts to plane i raise the out-drive up some and she takes off.

[mikeyt]

The Smart Tab installation should make a significant difference. But....i'm finding it hard to believe a 17" pitch prop doesn't have your boat literally 'jumping' out of the hole.

Normally i would recommend a 19" pitch (coming down from a 21", which would normally be the likely cause of those types of problems) as a good starting point. Have you had the boat up to WOT just to confirm your rpm's and your speed? I believe the rpm range for the 5.0L is 4400-4800 at WOT and you should be topping out somewhere around 50mph or a little over that if everything is working correctly.

I would suggest (at this point) to install the Smart tabs, get them set up correctly & then hit the water for a couple of test runs (WOT/rpms/speed) and then let us know what the results are. Once we have that info, we can suggest a prop change if still needed.

[abillmann]

I had a similar issue with my '91 1900Z, although mine is fitted with the 4.3L V6, not the big one you've got. My prop is 14.5 x 19p, so your lower pitch and big engine should not only pop you up on plane, but a small army of skiiers as well!

The problem I had was that the carb was badly corroded and needed to be replaced. Sounded from the mechanic like it was years in the making. There was a lot of water in the gasoline, too.* With a rebuilt carb and good gas, now it has no problem planing.

*Apparently, ethanol in today's gasolines can be a big problem in terms of corrosion, water condensation and so forth. If you possibly can, buy ethanol-free gasoline -- it's marked on the pump, but hard to find as many stations are eliminating it. Otherwise, use a fuel additive like Marine Formula Sta-Bil to deal with the issue.