Formula boat porpoising

Bootkie2 · 09-30-2019, 09:31 PM

I'm not sure a new prop set up would yield a big difference. The 8.2 with B3 out of the box is already a great pairing for that boat. What you've got here has more to do with the engineering/design of the boat itself.

I hear you though. I would be frustrated too if the Gauge showed a very low trim position and she was still porpoising (or close to it).

There were already a few comments about the sender/limit switch. +Another Vote for checking the sender. You could have the dealer check and re-calibrate the trim sender. That could possibly help you gain some better readings on the gauge. Those sender units are notoriously crappy (break all the time). Something could be going on there (even at 35 hrs).

Descant · 09-30-2019, 11:05 PM

OK. I'm not a Formula guy,but it now sounds like a hull/drive mismatch that can be overcome by very careful use of trim. "C'est possible?"

XCR-700 · 10-01-2019, 07:11 AM

Hummm,,,, Based on what I have learned from you all and other reading, it appears to be a case of a different hull than I have had in the past, and learning to drive this particular hull.
It also appears that Formulas run more hull in the water/wet than other brands, and that appears to be by design. Which is fine now that I know it, and as a plus, it makes for a very good/very solid ride in Winnipesaukee weekend water conditions. It is clearly slower than other brands, which surprises me given the 8.2 Mag engine but it is also a long and heavy boat with no creaking and rattling that I have seen in other boats. So I guess these are trade-offs and with the Winnipesaukee speed limit and the way we use our boats I don’t need 50+ MPH speed, so not being a high speed boat is not a problem for me. Sounds funny even saying that as I recall when 35 or 40 MPH was fast ;-) Guess times change.

It does appear to be a poor selection of trim gauge, as the gauge range is too wide and does not best display the limited trim range this hull allows.

And I still wonder how Bravo 3 drives respond to aftermarket prop upgrades? Is it similar to other drives, or not worth the cost???

Thanks to all for your thoughtful insight

09-30-2019, 11:05 PM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,459 Thanks: 1,376 Thanked 1,654 Times in 1,082 Posts	Summary OK. I'm not a Formula guy,but it now sounds like a hull/drive mismatch that can be overcome by very careful use of trim. "C'est possible?"

09-30-2019, 09:31 PM	#1
Bootkie2 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	I'm not sure a new prop set up would yield a big difference. The 8.2 with B3 out of the box is already a great pairing for that boat. What you've got here has more to do with the engineering/design of the boat itself. I hear you though. I would be frustrated too if the Gauge showed a very low trim position and she was still porpoising (or close to it). There were already a few comments about the sender/limit switch. +Another Vote for checking the sender. You could have the dealer check and re-calibrate the trim sender. That could possibly help you gain some better readings on the gauge. Those sender units are notoriously crappy (break all the time). Something could be going on there (even at 35 hrs).

10-01-2019, 07:11 AM	#3
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Hummm,,,, Based on what I have learned from you all and other reading, it appears to be a case of a different hull than I have had in the past, and learning to drive this particular hull. It also appears that Formulas run more hull in the water/wet than other brands, and that appears to be by design. Which is fine now that I know it, and as a plus, it makes for a very good/very solid ride in Winnipesaukee weekend water conditions. It is clearly slower than other brands, which surprises me given the 8.2 Mag engine but it is also a long and heavy boat with no creaking and rattling that I have seen in other boats. So I guess these are trade-offs and with the Winnipesaukee speed limit and the way we use our boats I don’t need 50+ MPH speed, so not being a high speed boat is not a problem for me. Sounds funny even saying that as I recall when 35 or 40 MPH was fast ;-) Guess times change. It does appear to be a poor selection of trim gauge, as the gauge range is too wide and does not best display the limited trim range this hull allows. And I still wonder how Bravo 3 drives respond to aftermarket prop upgrades? Is it similar to other drives, or not worth the cost??? Thanks to all for your thoughtful insight