I have a 10' Inflatable with a 6 HP 4 cycle Mercury engine. Even with my weight all the way up front using a "tiller extension" I have a tough time getting the boat up on a plane. I recently purchased a Stabilizer Kit from my Mercury dealer. He claims it will do wonders in getting the boat up on a plane. Before I start drilling into my engine, has anyone had any luck with these types of devices.
Dinghy Stabilizers
- Thread starter chief14326
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Planing
I had the same problem with my 9'4" HPIF Zodiac with my 6HP Evinrude 2-strk. The 6 was just not quite enough to get it up. I bought the doel-fin type and mounted them on the OB's cavitation plate as per instructions. These things will reduce the throttle required to MAINTAIN a plane, but you need to be able to get up on a plane in the first place for them to work. If you can't get up without one, installing them only adds a little more drag, and slows you slightly, still preventing you from getting up.
I had the same problem with my 9'4" HPIF Zodiac with my 6HP Evinrude 2-strk. The 6 was just not quite enough to get it up. I bought the doel-fin type and mounted them on the OB's cavitation plate as per instructions. These things will reduce the throttle required to MAINTAIN a plane, but you need to be able to get up on a plane in the first place for them to work. If you can't get up without one, installing them only adds a little more drag, and slows you slightly, still preventing you from getting up.
Tilt adjustment?
I have a 9 foot Avon inflatable with plywood inserts for the floor with a 3hp 2-stroke outboard. When I use an extender on the steering handle I can plane (and I weigh 220lbs). Check your motor tilt adjustment and placement of the fuel tank. Maybe I can plane because I have a flat bottom? Another consideration is a 4-stroke outboard weighs quite a bit.
I have a 9 foot Avon inflatable with plywood inserts for the floor with a 3hp 2-stroke outboard. When I use an extender on the steering handle I can plane (and I weigh 220lbs). Check your motor tilt adjustment and placement of the fuel tank. Maybe I can plane because I have a flat bottom? Another consideration is a 4-stroke outboard weighs quite a bit.
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