posted 09-23-2009 10:08 AM ET (US)        

Hello. I need some advice. We recently purchased [our] first boat, a ChrisCraft 19-foot V-hull. It is big, heavy, very high, and not an open bow. It has a 115-HP Johnson outboard on it. I have rebuilt the [carburetors] and installed a new starter. It seems to run nice, smooth, even, but een having trouble with it wanting to turn to the right. It is hard to turn left. I looked at the small tab above the prop and it is set slightly left of center. Should I center it more?

Also, the boat just does not seem to go very fast. No speedometer or tachometer, yet. But I am estimating maybe 25-MPH at best. The bow is way up in the air, have to stand to see over it. Does not seem to plane, if I understand what planing is. I have power till and trim. Have it adjusted all the way down. I am generally loaded when we go out. [Gave details of his family.] I usually have two 6-gallon fuel tanks and maybe a 5-gallon backup can with us. Other than that just a few rods and some snacks/drinks.

Would I benefit from installing a Doel-Fin?

I have been advised to move the fuel tanks to the bow. I have considered opening the bow and make it a bow-rider. It currently has a 13 3/8" x 17 pitch prop. I was advised to put a 13 or 15 pitch on it. I have ordered a new 14" x 13 pitch prop. I am not looking to dangerously fast. I was told I need to get to about 40mph for ski-ing tubing or boarding.

My whole goal is to have a boat that will provide my boys with some fun and not drink too much gas. I am a stay at home Dad and my whole life is my boys.