Help me diagnose a power loading problem

[Mike 12345]

Guys, here's the scenario-

19' BassCat Pantera II, 200 HP Mariner Mag

Boat runs out fine on open water.  However when power loading the boat onto the trailer, you can mash the Hot Foot all the way down and the engine will not push the boat onto the trailer.  RPM's dont go up further than just above idle speed. Tilt/trim of the engine doesn't seem to affect the ability of the engine to rev or not.

Any ideas as to why this might be happening?

Thanks

[Jig Man]

You may have your boat trailer too shallow and the engine is having to push hard against the bunks. I notice that on my Opti sometimes if the trailer is not deep enough.

Also trim it up a ways to give it some bow lift and take more boat off the trailer.

[Nitrofreak]

You may have your boat trailer too shallow and the engine is having to push hard against the bunks. I notice that on my Opti sometimes if the trailer is not deep enough.

Also trim it up a ways to give it some bow lift and take more boat off the trailer.

x2

I don't know if you are having these problems at different lakes but I have learned that some ramps are different in pitch and can hold the trailer nose up a little higher too.

I always try to pay close attention to when the back of the boat just starts to lift from the trailer when unloading so I can make a mental note as to what the water level on the trailer is and this has helped me a lot when reloading at different lakes and ramps.

[burleytog]

you can mash the Hot Foot all the way down and the engine will not push the boat onto the trailer.  RPM's dont go up further than just above idle speed. Tilt/trim of the engine doesn't seem to affect the ability of the engine to rev or not.

That isn't related to the depth of the trailer.

[Mike 12345]

Thanks for the replies guys-

I do understand about the trailer angle, and agree with you on that.  I think what is more puzzling is the fact that the motor won't rev up (increase RPMs) to allow the engine to build up enough force to trailer the boat, regardless of angle.

Like I mentioned, the throttle (hot foot) works on open water, although its pretty tight-  you have to push the hot foot pedal pretty hard.  However, once its time to trailer the boat, you can push the hot foot all the way in, but the engine RPMs won't pick up. Only time it happens.

I was initially thinking it was a throttle sticking issue when trimming the motor up, but then I shouldn't be able to get the hot foot to move if that were the case, right?  Its almost like a throttle issue that only happens when trailering the boat, but it happens even if you don't touch the trim angle of the motor.

Weird problem.  Would the motor defuel or anything if the boat/ motor were tilted up half on the trailer?

[Wayne P.]

Your suggestion about the motor angle may be the problem if the motor has carbs that have fuel level floats in them. Next time don't trim out as far and see if it improves. Also don't trim out at all until you are ready to get on the trailer, that will keep the carb bowls full until the last minute.

If you have EFI, that doesn't apply.

[Nitrofreak]

Now that you mention it I have had a scenario that my exhaust ports would get flooded and rob the engine of power when I loaded could this be what you are having an issue with Not sure if it would apply in your case.

[Mike 12345]

If you have EFI, that doesn't apply.

The motor is an EFI Wayne.  Puzzling situation......

[Fishing Rhino]

Not being familiar with a hot foot, I had an odd problem with a single lever control that might apply.

I could not get the throttle faster than idle in reverse unless I applied a great deal of pressure to the lever.

Took it in and a simple adjustment solved the problem.  Just a little bit out of adjustment caused the throttle to bind, but only in reverse.

I'd quiz a technician about your problem.  What is odd is that it only happens when loading it onto the trailer.

[GLADES]

You may have your boat trailer too shallow and the engine is having to push hard against the bunks. I notice that on my Opti sometimes if the trailer is not deep enough.

Also trim it up a ways to give it some bow lift and take more boat off the trailer.

x2

I don't know if you are having these problems at different lakes but I have learned that some ramps are different in pitch and can hold the trailer nose up a little higher too.

I always try to pay close attention to when the back of the boat just starts to lift from the trailer when unloading so I can make a mental note as to what the water level on the trailer is and this has helped me a lot when reloading at different lakes and ramps.

X2

[GLADES]

Is your prop pitch set up for top speed?  It might be too much and you are sacrificing low end torque. The 2.4 200 should have enough displacement to power load.

If the motor is running normally, you just need to back up a little deeper when loading.

[5bass]

Sounds like a prop problem to me.