Performance of 2000 model Seafarer V-Sea.

[shakey55]

I took the new boat (new to me) out for its maiden voyage yesterday.

Having owned a 1980 V-Sea with a 60 Johnston, I understand this boat is completely different. I do need some further trials, which I will be doing soon.

The new boat has a 2000 model Johnson 115hp (v4) two stroke which is obviously a lot heavier than the old 60hp. There is also in excess of 100 litres of fuel (under floor). I had four adults (two sitting on the rear seat).

I found it very slow getting up on the plane compared to the old boat.

Is this something I should just get used to or should I look at something like 'Permatrim' or even tabs (not real keen on these or see the benefits of these with a 5 meter boat).

I'd be very interested in hearing your views.

I am happy with the newer V-Sea's but just looking for the view/opinions of others.

I believe the motor is set up correctly. Don't know much about prop size or pitch required.


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[scottar]

If this is to be your "typical" loading, there are a few things to check on first Shakey. Firstly, is the motor height correct - plenty of info about this floating around on either here or other sites. Secondly - are you achieving your required WOT (wide open throttle) RPM. If you can't reach it with a "typical" load then it may be that you may need to reduce the pitch of the prop (new prop required). If both of these things are ok, then it is time to look at things like a Permatrim - best option cost effectively or a set of trim tabs - best option full stop. The only other option would be redesign of the seating arrangements to get weight away from the transom but this would be the most expensive option I would think. You could throw trialling different types of props into the mix as well but my own personal experience with this indicated that the foil and tabs were the two most beneficial items when dealing with transom weight.

[shakey55]

If this is to be your "typical" loading, there are a few things to check on first Shakey. Firstly, is the motor height correct - plenty of info about this floating around on either here or other sites. Secondly - are you achieving your required WOT (wide open throttle) RPM. If you can't reach it with a "typical" load then it may be that you may need to reduce the pitch of the prop (new prop required). If both of these things are ok, then it is time to look at things like a Permatrim - best option cost effectively or a set of trim tabs - best option full stop. The only other option would be redesign of the seating arrangements to get weight away from the transom but this would be the most expensive option I would think. You could throw trialling different types of props into the mix as well but my own personal experience with this indicated that the foil and tabs were the two most beneficial items when dealing with transom weight.

Thanks scottar.

Yesterday was a day on the water.

My normal loading would just be and a mate out fishing. There may be a bit of fishing gear, but this would be stowed away up forward. So there will be less weight in the rear (I dare not guess or mention our ladies weights, I might get the boat taken from me. Ha Ha).

I'm not disappointed with boat or motor, just slow u onto plane, and I do have to get used to a different weight / motor sized boat.

I'm interested to see what happens when only two up or on my own.

I didn't push the new girl to hard yesterday, but at on stage opened her up and speedo read 40 mph, which I'm thinking is not to bad.

I'm not really sure what speed she should do. Not that speed is of a concern.


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[Noelm]

First thing to do is see what max RPM is with normal load (as mentioned) forget the speedo! too big a prop will kill performance, a 115 on that hull is plenty.

[FisHard]

I had the same hull in the Venus with a 90 FICHT. It went pretty good and top speed with a couple of blokes was about 32kts. Not a bad hull imo, dry and safe, but not as good pound for pound compared to the old shape (had one of them too). Play around with props and it will be a weapon with the 115.

[airlock]

I fixed a similar problem with my old cruise craft by playing around with prop sizing and adding a small hydrofoil, much cheaper then trim tabs if its only to get you up out of the hole faster. Try shifting you're gear around a bit as well, any spare fuel, water or heavy items tucked up the front of the boat can help too. While hunting for second hand motors i found the majority were overproped so i would start there.

[Moonlighter]

Really, the 5M Seafarer VSea should go like a scalded cat with a 115 2 stroke on the back even with a really decent load in board. And no I'm not referring to your Mrs!

I am surprised that no-one has suggested a decent service and tune-up for the motor to make sure it's running as well as it should. Compression and leak down tests too. Carbys may also need servicing.

If the motor is fine, the as others have said, the prop or engine height needs to be checked.

first is engine height. Get up to a good cruise speed and trim the engine out to the optimum position. Then get someone to go down to the transom and look over the back to see if they can see the anti-vent plate (large plate directly above the prop), it shouldn't be submerged underwater, should ideally be just skimming the surface or getting some water splashing in top. If it's buried under water, the motor is too deep and this will adversely affect performance. Lift the motor until it's set right before you play with props.

re props, to know whether you've got the right prop requires a test at full throttle with the engine trimmed out as far as it will go without the prop letting go. Find a smooth bit of water somewhere. You need to make a note of what max revs the motor achieves on this test. It should be close to the max recommended revs for that motor. If not, a change of props will be required.

[scottar]

I am surprised that no-one has suggested a decent service and tune-up for the motor to make sure it's running as well as it should. Compression and leak down tests too. Carbys may also need servicing.

.

In a previous post (different thread) Shakey did mention he had a mechanic go right through the motor and all was good - wouldn't have been more than two months ago. No guarantee I guess but I would be doing the WOT trial run at least before handing over coin to mechanics.

[Tim_N]

To get the bum up and ease the load on the engine when taking off, or planning at low speeds, put a Permatrim or similar foil on the 115.
They do nothing more than give you extra planning surface and stop the boat falling off the plane or struggling to get out of the hole, by virtue of lifting the rear.
Lots of boats are way too bum heavy and this is a cheap and simple fix.
You've obviously got loads of hp.
Also, at take off, get the 2 at the rear to stand behind the pilot and deckie to keep the weight more central.
Tim

[Noelm]

No use trying cheap and simple fixes until he knows if there is something to fix! Max RPM is critical to all this.

[DaveR]

As above, first thing to check is WOT RPM. Then you'll know what's going on. I'd suggest it should be doing a little more than 40mph with a 115 2s, chances are it's not reaching the correct WOT RPM due to either too much prop, too low on the transom or both. As always, confirm the engine height is correct before looking into any other solutions.

[FisHard]

If bet my left nut that Lindsay Fry didn't let it leave the factory with this sort of performance shortcoming

[Jarrah Jack]

Don't put any sort of foil on if you intend to do any off shore runs, they can be very dangerous.

[Ocean_Spirit]

What prop is fitted, what is the condition of the hub, and what hole is it mounted at? A photo would help and hull serial number. I can then tell you if it was factory fitted or not.

[Noelm]

Kind of thinking if it's a 2000 model boat and a 2000 model motor, chances are it was fitted from new?