Motor Boat NOOB Needs Help With Power Curve/Trim

[SUMB44]

I've recently acquired a new R-23 with a Yamaha 200HP outboard. Had it out on the Chesapeake last weekend but couldn't consistently get it above about 12 knots and with full throttle only about 4400 rpm. I figure it must be some esoteric combination of engine trim and trim tabs that is needed to more consistently get up on plane. Typically I'd be cruising along at 12 knots then without warning the boat accelerates up to 30+ knots and rpm likewise spikes... an awkward situation in a crowded waterway. Then if I backed off the throttle some, rpm and mph plummet back to the 12 knot and 3500 to 4400 range.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a procedural approach to acceleration and planing consistently?

Before motor boats I had a small sailboat with a 3HP Torqeedo for docking, launching, and finding elusive breezes on the Potomac.

Thanks in advance for any constructive comments.

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[bergroup]

Sounds like some serious linkage problem. I've got the same engine on my R-23. You should be able to obtain "book value" 6000 RPM at Wide Open Throttle. This will give you about 35-38 MPH depending on load, wind and current. I typically run my engine between 4500-5000 RPM which gives me between 25-33 MPH. Engine or trim tab position shouldn't cause the issue you are describing unless your engine is close to being in the fully upright position. (But cavitating won't cause the extreme surging you describe.) IMHO

I'm not technically knowledgeable to diagnose your surging issue remotely but what you describe is not normal. Find a Yamaha Service Center in your area and get the issue fixed before your next outing.

Here are the performance numbers you should be obtaining: https://yamahaoutboards.com/en-us/home/ ... -11-14_owa

Good luck,

Paul

 

[katiefloy2003]

Luckily for us (OP's wife here) the boat is still at the dealers marina having minor issues taken care of, so hopefully they can handle the diagnosis and fix before we take delivery. It's good to know that it is a problem and not just user error.