Planing

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Aullteam
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Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 1:35 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X

Planing

Post by Aullteam »

Took my 99-26x out for the first time. It has a Suzuki DF50A and the motor runs well. I couldn’t get over 9 knots with no ballast and only 2 adults onboard. Anyone have experience with this type of issue?
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Tomfoolery
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: Planing

Post by Tomfoolery »

What was the engine speed at full throttle?
Tom
Be seeing you . . .
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Starscream
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Montreal, Quebec. 2002 26X - Suzi DF90A

Re: Planing

Post by Starscream »

With no ballast and the proper propeller that combo should run at maybe 14 knots, on a plane.

The proper propeller would allow the motor to run at its proper max rpm, probably around 5500 rpm, but research your motor.

Some people equip their motors with high-pitch props to get better economy for low speed cruising, while sacrificing top end speed. If your max rpm was around 4k, then that's very likely the problem.

The good news is props are relatively easy to change.
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NiceAft
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Re: Planing

Post by NiceAft »

So Toms question (RPM’s), when answered, will give a hint to identifying the problem.
Ray ~~_/)~~
DaveC426913
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Re: Planing

Post by DaveC426913 »

In my 2000 X with its Honda 50, and several hundred pounds of gear stowed, I have been able to reach just shy of 14 knots.
  • Prop choice might be an issue.
  • Are you sure you are able to open it all the way up? Mine comes pretty close to banging into the pedestal rail when full out.
  • Throttle cable tuned?
  • Strong current in your neck of the woods maybe? If there's current, try a run in both directions.
  • Fenders up? :)
  • Anchor stowed? :D
MacX 2000 Honda BF50A 'SeaSaw'
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John Christian
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: 2007 26M "Pamela Jean" White Hull#1862, Suzkuki DF 70, Brest Bay Marina, Lake Erie

Re: Planing

Post by John Christian »

:macm: I easily got 15 to 17 mph with my 07 Suzuki 50. No ballast, 2 adults. As others have said likely the prop size, pitch.
I upgraded in 08 to the 70 but i believe the target rpms are the same, 5000 to 5200.

The 50 never would get up on plane with ballast.
Good luck
JotaErre
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Spain

Re: Planing

Post by JotaErre »

Maybe you haven't got the right propeller...
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Dimitri-2000X-Tampa
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Location: Tampa, Florida 2000 Mercury BigFoot 50HP 4-Stroke on 26X hull# 3575.B000

Re: Planing

Post by Dimitri-2000X-Tampa »

John Christian wrote: Thu Jul 02, 2020 3:18 pm :macm: I easily got 15 to 17 mph with my 07 Suzuki 50. No ballast, 2 adults. As others have said likely the prop size, pitch.
I upgraded in 08 to the 70 but i believe the target rpms are the same, 5000 to 5200.

The 50 never would get up on plane with ballast.
Good luck
Haha..reminds me of one of the most prolific discussion topics ever seen around here...check this thread out from almost 16 years ago...

viewtopic.php?t=1608

Maybe your 26M won't plane with ballast in with a 50HP, but my 26X can :P :D
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Jimmyt
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Re: Planing

Post by Jimmyt »

Been a month since the original post, with no further info from him. Without the info Tomfoolery requested, we're left guessing...
Jimmyt
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Tomfoolery
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Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: Planing

Post by Tomfoolery »

Posted June 27. Last activity of the OP was June 28.

I don’t think he’s coming back. :?
Tom
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Jimmyt
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Re: Planing

Post by Jimmyt »

It wasn't me this time.... I didn't post here till AFTER he was gone. :wink:
Jimmyt
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2013 26M, Etec 60, roller Genoa, roller main
Cruising Waters: Mobile Bay, Western Shore, Fowl River
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dlandersson
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Michigan City

Re: Planing

Post by dlandersson »

Ditto 8)
Starscream wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 3:40 pm With no ballast and the proper propeller that combo should run at maybe 14 knots, on a plane.

The proper propeller would allow the motor to run at its proper max rpm, probably around 5500 rpm, but research your motor.

Some people equip their motors with high-pitch props to get better economy for low speed cruising, while sacrificing top end speed. If your max rpm was around 4k, then that's very likely the problem.

The good news is props are relatively easy to change.
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