Boat slow to plane out

[livemusic]

I have an Xpress Pro17 with 115hp Yamaha 4-stroke. With me, alone, the boat gets up on plane just fine but with full fuel and another person, it's slow and depending on passenger weight, can be real slow. I can have the passenger move forward to help it plane but with an elderly person, I'd rather not have to do it. This boat has a 6 inch hydraulic jack plate. I have never touched the setting for that, I have just left it at its setting, which is about 1 inch, which is what the former owner said it performed well at and I have certainly fished some skinny water. As for planing, could a solution be found with this jack plate? Seems it would.

 

Other than that, what about a hydrofoil stabilizer -- https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2200321

 

Do these help a boat plane better? Do you think they add top end speed or mpg increase? My boat will do 48mph and maybe even faster, according to the former owner and that's fast enough for me but I am curious about the stabilizer gizmo, too.

[Team9nine]

If depth isn’t a concern, drop the plate all the way down on take-off and see if that helps, then lift as you run. It should. Also make sure you are completely trimmed under to start. 

 

As for other options, I’d pass on the hydrofoils in your case and look into swapping props instead. Probably need to come back 2” (e.g., 22” pitch to a 20” pitch) and/or go with a 4-blade prop. On my last setup like yours, I did both and just lived with the slight decrease on top end...but my hole shot rocked ?

[Deleted account]

Put the jackplate all the way down and trim the motor down all the way and see what that does. If you don't see decent improvement, I'd look at how it's propped. Also make sure you aren't carrying a lot of extra unneeded weight (see how many senko color thread... ) Make sure there is not a water problem in the bilge. 115hps should be more than plenty for that boat, but checking on making sure there is nothing from getting all the ponies to the prop may be in order if still having issues, lastly cycling or triathlete fishing buddies might help  . I wouldn't put too much credence on previous owner specs.

[Junk Fisherman]

I had these issues and added a the SE Hydrofoil from BPS and it solved my problem.   For $100 it was a quick fix.  

[gim]

1 hour ago, Team9nine said:

On my last setup like yours, I did both and just lived with the slight decrease on top end...but my hole shot rocked 

 

I recently experimented with different props, trying a higher pitch on a 3 blade.  I went right back to my lower pitched 4 blade.  It jumps on plane quicker, better handling, and better top end speed too.  3 blade will not be used again.  It seriously took about 10 seconds to get on plane with a 3 blade prop and with a 4 blade it happens in less than half that.

[E-rude dude]

Your in 2 prop territory like was mentioned above. I use one for me and one for a guest appearance. I have a 115 hp also. Smaller motors need help. 

[fromthelogo]

+1 on the SE hydrofoil. I have a G3 Pro 175 with a Yamaha 60 hp four stroke. The hydrofoil did everything it advertised. Quicker getting on plane and higher top speed for less than changing props.