How to offset weight of Suzuki 4-stroke?

[wrcboat2005]

I recently purchased a used 3-year old 170cc with a Suzuki 4-stroke 60hp. I use the boat frequently to fish in Bogue Sound so shallow water boating is a regular occurence. The motor seems quite heavy for the boat. In fact, I cannot trim the motor up without significant porpoising. It would greatly enhance the boating pleasure to be able to run on plane with the motor trimmed up... The motor is mounted in top of the five holes. I am fairly certain that the 17 inch pitch is appropriate so I doubt a prop change would be significant enough to help. I am considering trim tabs but also need more prop clearance... Can I lift the motor one or two holes or should I consider a jack plate?

Thank you for any suggestions!

[Lightly Toasted]

I have a 75 HP Yamaha 4-stroke on a 170 DC and it runs great. I did readjust the motor mount according to Yamaha's recommendations and I do have a "Dole-fin". The fin really helps to get up on plane quick, but I still had no problems like you describe even without the fin. I'd reposition the motor before I'd invest in trim tabs or such. You shouldn't need trim tabs on that small a boat.

[blacter]

I have the same motor on my 2004 170CC and had what sounds like a similar problem. It took a long time to get on plane and the bow would rise to the point that I had a hard time seeing where I was going. I added a hydrofoil which made a world of difference. It bugged me at the time, since it seemed like a bandaid fix to a mismatched motor/boat setup, but I got over it. I, too, looked at changing the height of motor, but was advised against it. Let me see if I can find those threads.

...Barry

[blacter]

Here's the web address of a discussion on another forum about this issue:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...sts=19#M373342

[zeecurt55]

I have a similar problem with my 170 DC, rigged with a suzuki DF 70. Alot of bow rise before plane and porpousing with no passengers up front. I purchased trim tabs and haven't installed them yet but I am confident that this will solve the problem. Oh the trim tabs are from insta-trim 10x8 and they only set me back $325 shipped.....

[Putershark]

You may want to try this first.

http://www.bobsmachine.com/lift2.shtml#STABILIZER

Those extra rudders on this model really helps you carve up the water and unlike the Doel Fin I had used in the past, this one did stop the wondering at slow speeds as it says it will. The Doel Fin I had also flexed some and these don't.

Nice price point on them (same cost as many of the plastic versions) and it should return your investment money in lower engine RPM running while still running on a plane, which equals less fuel burn. Just call first to make sure they have one that will make and year lower unit.

[sbell]

I took off the dolfin off of my Yamaha 60 and threw a pair of Smart Tabs on the hull of my 150. I plane in about the same amount of time and the boat is more stable in rougher water and in turns. I was always a little concerned about the stress on the lower until from the dolfin and I think the Smart Tabs are a great solution.

[suitekids]

I have to agree with Toast, I also have his similar setup, and ours simply flies, and we have done nothing to the motor or boat to trim it, except the trim that came with the motor. We are on plane in 3 seconds. Maybe lucky I guess

[zeecurt55]

I have put my 170 DC through it's sea trials and wow! You people really might want to consider the trim tabs. The tabs got rid of all of my issues with the boat. Now i can raise, lower, adjust for list, you name it I can do it. I really am impressed with the upgrade.

here's the link to insta trim. 10x8 is the size i went with, you can find them for around $325 shipped. I will send pics soon.


http://www.insta-trim.com/main.html

http://dogbytecomputer.com/xcart/cat...m_Tab_Set.html