Planing Tomcat on one engine

M

matt_unique

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Feb 27, 2007
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C Dory Year
2007
C Dory Model
255 Tomcat
Vessel Name
Napoleon
We had a discussion about this last year. I tested mine last year with the starboard engine and was able to plane off.

Today I decided to test the same with my port engine. I had just fueled up (3/4 total in both tanks), usual "stuff" we keep aboard, and just me (no other passengers). I trimmed my starboard engine fully out of the water, trimmed my port engine full down, and hit the gas.

I was able to steadily accelerate to plane. I did not have my GPS system on otherwise I could have reported my speed. I ran the engine at WOT until she hit 4400 rpm before slowing down. The steering correction required to maintain a straight line was more pronounced than I remember the last time.

No real practical value unless you're desperate to get out of the water and one of the engines have quit. It's nice to know one will push her along though.
 
Matt, I suspect that having a lite boat helps. Secondly running that engine at 4400 will probably be really lugging it--and not doing it any favor. It would have been interesting to see what speed you were at.

In our experiments, the steering was a definate factor. Also may not be the best idea to be running one engine up and one down with the liquid tie bar system. Puts a lot more load on the steering pump.
 
Agree on all counts.
It was more of a test to see if each engine could individually get her up on plane. I would definitely never lug the engine like that for more than my quick tests unless there was a significant safety risk. I mentioned I tested this with the starboard engine last year and I wanted to test it today with the port. The steering correction was more of an issue today than I recall with the test on the starboard engine last year.
 
Matt be careful doing that . I remember your steering issues . As Bob pointed out that is REALLY hard on the steering system . If someone needs to get home on one engine its better [easier on the equipment]to get part of the lower unit in the water on the dead motor and go slower .
Marc
 
Roger that.
I have no intentions of doing this test again.

I had a bad helm unit right off the dealer lot and it was replaced last season.
 
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