baja 33outlaw

I know it's long, but please help me. It's such a well liked boat I wish I could like it more.

I've got a '03 Outlaw 33 with bravo 1s and 496hos, using 26p Bravo props. It's had this problem when I bought it in 2020. It's my first ever boat, so I just figured it was normal to take probably 15-20 seconds to plane...(Did test drive a formula 292 and 312 both planned sooo fast, so I don't think I'm doing anything wrong) props are labbed so bought new 26p bravos hoping they were messed up, slightly better but not by much.

I put drives and tabs down and try to take off, feels like initially it hooks good, but then feels like it loses momentum (Feels like the props lose "traction" and just spin without pushing the boat). Rpms shoot up at that point, so reduce throttles to probably about 30-40% and just hold the rpms around 3500 until the boat finally planes. Still take 15 seconds to plane with just me and low fuel. Full passengers and fuel can make it next to impossible, made a big guy come to front to help it plane after about 20-25 seconds trying to get on plane. New prop plane just a touch better still 10-20 seconds to plane depending on weight.

Once on plane I go about 35mph at 3200rpm (35mph at 3000rpm with new props), supposedly should be at 44mph at 3000rpm. Top end is 68 at 5000rpm, which isn't too bad. Put brand new 26p props on and got 65 one prop spinning at 4300 the other at 4700rpm. Planning on taking them to a prop shop to fix the rpm differenc, but want to figure out why my prop slip might be so bad first. Planning on getting more rpm/mph numbers soon.

bencini231

It sounds as if you getting to much transom lift, so next time do not put the tabs down and once on plane then set them at neutral setting. I have had a few boats that you couldn't use the tabs when coming on plane.

baja 33outlaw

Okay, I'll try that next time I go out. I've tried to plane with them not so far down, but I don't think I've tried them in a up or neutral position. I usually set them at neutral setting once on plane, depending on how rough Lake Erie is that day. Any ideas on what could cause such high prop slip numbers throughout all mid range cruise speeds from 30-60mph? Really wish I could ride on another 33 Outlaw just to see if they behave like mine does.

underpsi68

What is the prop height to the bottom of the hull?

I'm thinking you might need spacers?

JaayTeee

Post a picture of the drives where the trim cylinder rams attach to the drives from a side view…..I’m wondering if the spacer that sets the pin is in the wrong spot for a B 1

That thing should run 70-74 mph so you may have other issues also

baja 33outlaw

not sure on prop height, I'll have to get that measured when I get a chance. Sorry I'm not too informed on outdrive, what kind of spacers, what would they go on the trim rams?

baja 33outlaw

I'll have to get a picture soon. I wouldn't doubt something is wrong to with power. When I first got the boat it did 71 at 5100rpm had to hold the throttles back to avoid rev limiter beeps, so at that moment with perfect props could've got 72-74.

Then had a head gasket leak coolant into cylinder 5, had a shop do the work. Got the boat back in the water after winter and never did more than 66-68mph. After about 10hrs since the work was done the piston in cylinder 5 blew apart. Got a new long block installed by a different shop, and still haven't seen more that 66-68mph. I'll add a pic of the piston damage. Engines have around 800hrs on them, 600 of those hours are under 1500rpm which seems like a lot.

JaayTeee

#30 is the spacer, it should be towards the transom

F-2 Speedy

You dont need to use the tabs to get on plane, I had a 33 for yrs with 502 mags and never use the tabs

bajaman

...and why are engines failing so rapidly?