88 Martinique B/R balance problem

CC used reverse rotation engines to spin RH props which counteracted the condition you describe. It's quite possible that a PO repowered it with a standard rotation (automotive). From the rear of the boat, a RH prop will spin clockwise to move the boat forward.

Welcome to CCfan.

8122pbrainard,

I looked at the prop as you said and it looks to be original equipment.I have left an picture of the prop. Do you have any other thoughts? Thank you.

And yes, that's a RH prop, most likely original. I did want to mention that I tweaked one of my tracking fins a few years ago and that made the boat list a bit under power.

The Prop is still on the shaft in that picture. What you see at the bottom is the locking nut and part of the pin. I will take your advise and report back. Another picture for you to see. Thanks.

OK. Just talked to Delta and they recommended going to a Acme 912 Prop. 13 RH 10.5 and said I would get better performance in all aspects. Didn't know that was even possible. He said the technology is just that much better. I would get better performance out of the hole and higher top speed. I have a 1 to 1 drive and right now I get about 3600 rpm when it wide open (try not to do this very often). He said I would get more speed and rpm too with this prop. Out of the hole and top end. Have you guys heard of this before? I was always taught it was a trade off, you sacrifice one for the other.

As far as the imbalance, he said it could be due to torque and this may help but he can't say for sure. Any thoughts?

It is definitely possible that a new prop would make your boat perform better in every way. There's been a ton of talk about the huge gains of the new ACME props.

On the listing... it's only while under way, right?

Just theoretically, I almost feel like your old banged up prop would have caused a paddle-wheel effect that would make it lean the other way. The prop is right hand rotation, right?

I would tend to look at other running gear for any oddities as well. Tracking fins, strut, rudder.

Yes, I do. Any time you have a bent, chipped etc blade it will affect performance. That one bent blade very well could contribute to the listing problem. How about everything else under the boat? Tracking fins straight? Strut straight? Rudder straight? Shaft straight?
Sounds like you may be "overpropped" (too high a pitch) on what you are running now. Delta is correct. Lower pitch equal more RPMs. More RPM's will improve hole shot and increase the top end. There is a delicate balance. You want to hit max rated RPMs at WOT (wide open throttle)when determining the right prop. I like to run the boat loaded like how I use it most (people and gear...it is a function of weight) to determine the proper RPM range with a particular prop.
What motor you got in that boat? What is the max recommended RPM? Do you know?
Sounds like you are on the right track after talking with Delta

Not totally sure how you'd verify it. Nothing is obviously bent though?

OK. I have decided to order a new prop so that I can eliminate this as a possible reason and go from there. I will get back to you guys on the outcome.
I would still love some advise on how to verify the tracking fins alignment and/or how to adjust the rudder if needed.
Thanks for all of your insights.

Suggest posting a photo or two of the tracking fin on here. Ask Delta about fixing your prop so you can keep it as a cheap spare. The new prop will feel like a dream and hopefully fix your problem. Be sure to get some valve grinding compound for lapping and read Pete's prop install thread on here and ask questions so you get your new prop on right.

Rich

And it was obviously bent and twisted.   

Thank you gentlemen. Will report back.

I got the Acme 912 and put it on 2 weeks ago. I took the boat out for about a 5 min ride just to verify all is well. The lean seams to be better but not totally gone. However, I was by myself and couldn't really gauge the difference because I didn't have anyone to move around. I am going out this afternoon and with passengers and will report back with more specifics.

Side notes:
I noticed a big difference in smoothness.
I noticed the boat comes out of the hole much faster and the nose seems to ride much lower when I am on plane.
I noticed the WOT went from 3700 to 4100 and my top speed went from 36 mph to 41 mph.
All great things.

However, I am wondering if the problem is actually a left turning issue and I am correcting it by turning the wheel right which causes a lean to the right. Because when I place the wheel in a manner as to where the boat is level laterally I have a very slight turn left, even while its perfectly level.

Will get back to you later tonight.

Bryan

Ok. After taking an hour ride last night, I will say it is a little better. However it is still noticeably leaning right. I weigh about 200lbs and was driving. I had my wife and all three children, about 240 lbs on the opposite side and the extra equipment is mostly balanced. Again when I level the boat, by turning the wheel to the center, the boat has a slight turn to the left. So naturally to go straight I have to turn the wheel right which leans the boat right to counter the left turning tendency. I understand the concept of "propwalk" as you call it, but this seems to me to be more than that.

Does anyone no anything about, or is it possible to adjust the guide fins? They seem to be straight and in perfect condition from a quick eye, but is it possible something hit one of them and it is off a degree or two and I could adjust them?

My intuition tells me if I were to adjust the leading edge of the front fin toward the starboard side a few degrees, that may solve the problem. Is this possible?

Bryan

Yes, It is fine until I am on plane and then it gets progressively worse as I accelerate.