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Author	Topic:   17 outrage II - Porpoises while running
jorge	posted 10-16-2003 10:38 AM ET (US)         My 1997 17' Outrage II with a 115hp Merc porpoises when I run it trimmed out. If I run it with negative trim, it does not run well. The boat also tracks very loosely in any kind of chop. Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone put a set of trim tabs on this model boat? Please Help!
Jerry Townsend	posted 10-16-2003 03:47 PM ET (US)             Jorge - I have a '96 17 Outrage with a 115 Johnson and infrequently have a minor porpoising problem - but when I do, just a "tweak" of the trim one way or the other eliminates that problem. Now, I am normally running at 4000 - 4500 and around 20 - 25 mph. I also don't know what you mean by your "...trimmed out..." or "...negative trim..." When I am running at 20 - 25 mph, I have adjusted the trim from being full in - but I don't know by how much. ----- Jerry/Idaho
prm1177	posted 10-16-2003 05:19 PM ET (US)             I too have an OR II 17 with an Optimax 135, and have no such problems. Sounds like a possible mounting height issue. My long shaft motor is mounted up one hole from the bottom. No propoising issue and loss of stering feel only when trimmed out too far. I usually bring out the trim, watching both RPM and speed, until I feel the boat's sterring getting too light or squirrely. Then I back off a click. Sal?
lhg	posted 10-16-2003 05:43 PM ET (US)          I think we are dealing with an inexperienced operator here, as the 1997 Outrage 17 is an excellent running boat from my experiences. Porpoising is only a result of operator error, from too much trim, and any boat will run poorly with excessive tuck-in, although Whalers handle this condition very well. An experienced operator would know how to get it just right, with the push of a button. As for a Whaler that doesn't track well, hardly. The wheel has to be held firmly, however. Trim tabs are usually not used on such a short boat.
trask	posted 10-16-2003 05:58 PM ET (US)          If the boat pulls to the left or right, try adjusting the zinc tab under the cav. plate. Left for pulling left, right for pulling right. If the motor is tucked under too much, the boat will weave and wander underway, as well as stuff the bow in some situations. The general rule is to trim out going with the waves and tuck it in some in a headsea to reduce the pounding. Not sure if this is the problem. As to porpoising, if the motor is jacked out too far it can happen...also if the load is too heavy toward the stern. I wouldn't necessarily make a blanket statement of "operator error"...that's rather harsh, don't you think?
RJM	posted 10-16-2003 09:35 PM ET (US)             Jorge, I too have a 1996 17'Outrage II with a 150 hp. Mercury. I can get it to porpoise very easily by extending the trim too far out and just as easily remove it by bringing the engine back toward the hull. I recently put a "Doel" fin on it to get it on plane quicker and found that the fin also helped limit the porpoising. I have yet to see any downside on the $30.00 fin installation; except at first the engine torque made the boat list to port when first underway. I adjusted the starboard fin outboard and that seemed to cure that situation. It now get up on plane much quicker and helps lift the engine at speed.
jorge	posted 10-16-2003 10:15 PM ET (US)             Thanks for all of your tips! You have given me some good ideas and I hope to solve my problem soon.

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