Boat won't plane.

[bud37]

Source of the post Now to figure out with all the suggestions above how to get more RPM.

It is really the HP that will give you the rpm....because your boat is coupled to basically direct drive, so disregarding prop slip you can only get more rpm by applying more hp at the tipping point.....that is where timing and fuel come into play, the rpm will increase as the boat speed increases......I know, I know a little picky heh.
Also check your flame arrestors while checking for wot.

[ColRon]

Craig, when was the last tune up? On my first Santego, an 88 3067 like yours, I couldn't get it to plane either after I bought it, about 3000 rpm's was tops. You should have a WOT of around 4400 rpm. The first thing I did was a complete tune up, even though she would readily start and "seemed" to run fine. The previous owner couldn't remember when he had done the last tune up since she didn't leave the slip often and when she did it was usually to go pump out the holding tank. New caps, rotors, plugs and wires made all the difference in the world and the engines came back to life.

[Viper]

Certainly the fuel system is a possibility. When was the last time an ignition tune-up was done? If you haven't done so already, pull the distributor cap, it's an easy thing to do and will scratch that part off the list. If the contacts are corroded, you may have found your problem.

Keep us posted.

[Viper]

ooops, we had the same thought at the same time!

[ColRon]

Viper...I've always been told, "Great minds think alike!" Now, I don't know about yours but I wouldn't consider mine "great" as its more like a stopped clock...you know their right at least twice a day.

[Viper]

That's better than the weather man, they can't get anything right

[Craig_B]

Definatley going to start with the Tune Up route first. Probably never been done.
However. For my own knowlege, what is the best position for the stern drives and tabs when one wants the boat to plane?
Fully retracted then adjust if necessary? I am completely unfamiliar with their function, well not completely but assume I am

Thanks

[tomschauer]

if the engines are running properly you should be able to plane with the drives fully down and the tabs fully retracted.
When on plane slowly trim your drives up just a bit at a time, rpms should increase without adding any throttle, when they stop increasing, back off just a touch on the trim and you should be at the sweet spot. The tabs should be to level the boat, but some boats run better with a bit of tab. Try adjusting the tabs the same as the trim

[Craig_B]

Source of the post if the engines are running properly you should be able to plane with the drives fully down and the tabs fully retracted.
When on plane slowly trim your drives up just a bit at a time, rpms should increase without adding any throttle, when they stop increasing, back off just a touch on the trim and you should be at the sweet spot. The tabs should be to level the boat, but some boats run better with a bit of tab. Try adjusting the tabs the same as the trim

Awesome thanks!

[buster53]

Source of the post Definatley going to start with the Tune Up route first. Probably never been done.
However. For my own knowlege, what is the best position for the stern drives and tabs when one wants the boat to plane?
Fully retracted then adjust if necessary? I am completely unfamiliar with their function, well not completely but assume I am

Thanks

Make sure new fuel filters are part of the tune up and when you take the old ones off, drain them into a glass container. What you see could possible be a real eye opener. Ask me how I know