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Starcraft plunges bow at higher speeds

C

chrisgt

Contributing Member
Hi all, I have purchased a 14ft starcraft that doesn't really handle well; I'm sure it's a setup issue, I just don't know how to correct it so i'm looking for some guidance.
Cruising between about 15 and 20 it's ok, but it starts to stuff the bow, anything over 25 is scary, I brought it up to 32 one time and it was terrifying.

What happens is the boat starts to plunge the bow into the water really hard, if I trim the motor up one notch it's better but then it does a prop stand trying to get on a plane.
It also doesn't like to turn at any speed, the engine just ventilates, but I'm guessing these two things are related.
The ventilation plate was about 3/4" below the bottom of the boat so I raised the engine a bit by placing a 3/4" piece of wood on the top of the transom. This seemed to help a little bit, but this boat still doesn't handle like all other aluminum boats I've used.

My prop is a little bit chewed up, I should probably replace or repair it, but I'd be surprised if that's causing this whole issue.


(yes i know painters tape isn't legal rego numbers...)
H3bawu1.jpg
 
First fix the prop, a dinged up prop causes venting on it's own
Really need power trim, but without that move more weight forward, so when trimmed out it will help keep the bow down
 
AllDodge said:
First fix the prop, a dinged up prop causes venting on it's own
Really need power trim, but without that move more weight forward, so when trimmed out it will help keep the bow down
Click to expand...
Sounds good, i'll pull the prop and start padding beads on my lunch break. Even trimmed up one more tab it still starts to stuff the bow down, i've never had an aluminum boat do this before. I have a lund that behaves what i'd consider correctly. (i have a problem of buying and selling boats too often...)
 
chrisgt said:
Sounds good, i'll pull the prop and start padding beads on my lunch break. Even trimmed up one more tab it still starts to stuff the bow down, i've never had an aluminum boat do this before. I have a lund that behaves what i'd consider correctly. (i have a problem of buying and selling boats too often...)
Click to expand...
Ayuh,...... put a 4' or 6' straight edge under the bottom of the boat, 'n look for a gap along it,.....
I've seen hulls with a hog in the bottom that will cause the results you describe,....
 
bondo said:
Ayuh,...... put a 4' or 6' straight edge under the bottom of the boat, 'n look for a gap along it,.....
I've seen hulls with a hog in the bottom that will cause the results you describe,....
Click to expand...
Hmm, i'll have to drive my one ton over and pick the bow up with its crane later today, but eyeballing it on the trailer it looks fairly straight.
But that does make sense: bowed down will cause lift like a sail to pull the boat down, and bowed up would just drive the boat into the water.
 
trim the motor all the way in add weight to the front. Those boats are extremely light in the in the bow and tend to porpoise.
 
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