Setback for a 16' Tahiti OB

[Spaceman Spiff]

Preview

Things went well today. Mostly. I got the bow up and hit 54 mph @5700rpm. 50mph @5100 w/first mate aboard. All I did was lower the engine back down 1/2" to stop the venting. I did the seat swap saving about 100 lbs. I sat about a foot further back. And I tried a different prop that was supposed to be equal to the last one I tried 12 3/4 x 21. I guess it was the combination that gave me the results. I got it to where it just started to chine walk. But... I dinged the prop. Welcome to the Willamette river in debris season! It didn't affect my top speed, but it was only the second time it was used. Cupped one of the blade a little bit. Oh well, it was a good day.��

Now I can get a SS prop and Power trim and shoot for 60!

[Spaceman Spiff]

I got the standard stainless prop (12.75 x 23) and went out. I hit 52 with more to spare. But it was choppy and I had to back off. The boat wasn't handling it well. When I got home I pulled up the floor in the front and it's all rot. Those giant seats were hiding it. It has a keel, but no stringers and it's all soaked wood. Might have chop it up and dump it. The rear of the floor has been redone and seems solid. It just didn't feel solid bouncing off waves. I'll have to see if it's repairable. Sigh

[Spaceman Spiff]

After pulling the LU, there's just six easily accessible bolts.

[Spaceman Spiff]

After fixing the keel and floor, I decided to go the whole 9 yards and do a full sand, primer and paint on the whole thing. Then gauges, carpet and new steering. I've spent so much time painting it that I have forgotten what it was like to drive it. Been taking the Larson out in the meantime. So I'm sure glad to have this thread to refresh my memory of where I was at.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Finally back on the water. Feels really solid and stable.

[Spaceman Spiff]

This last prop that I have (OMC 12.75x23) is getting me 55mph at 5200rpm in the fourth trim hole. It gets a little squirrely at that speed. The ass end feels like it wants to jump sideways a foot or two without notice. I guess that's called chine walk. If I put it in the third hole, it tops at 52mph and is a whole lot more mild-mannered. I think I'll leave it there. I appreciate all the help. I'm just gonna add a Hot Foot and call it done.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I redid the original seat bases using the existing cushions and upholstery. It came out good. But the extra 100 lbs or so cost me 4 mph! Less bow rise. So I'll be running the polys until i need seating for more than two.

The boat is really solid now from all the extra rigidity the float foam added under the floor. I've been pounding on it in rough water and it's taking it like a champ. I love it!

[Baker343]

Nice work on your project. Look for a shooter prop, they are a 4-blade performance OMC prop that you can find used pretty cheap. If you have a passenger and you're looking for top speed and balance, have them sit opposite of you in the back corner.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thanks. I definitely noticed that the boat sits flatter side to side flying solo with these seats. I think I'm settled on this prop. I have a pretty decent hole shot and top speed is now 57mph(@5100) with non-E 93 octane and the Empi seats. That's plenty for this boat without a pad.