Slight problem with 1999 Pre2200I W/T

[rwally]

Was hoping someone could help me out here.

My boat feels like it is slipping when I punch the throttle to pull up a wake boarder or skier (does not happen all the time). I also get the same feeling if I make a hard turn to turn around to pick up a fallen boarder. Again, it does not happen all the time, but happens to often to make me think there is a problem somewhere.

The feeling/noise on hard turns, sounds/feels like the prop is out of the water. Its like their is no resistance on the prop and the engine revs high.

I guess my question is, do you think I have a belt slipping or something wrong with the prop itself. I have not inspected the prop, because the boat is still in the water. The belt appears to be tight, but I do have a pully that sounds like it is squeaking..

Any advise would help...just dont want to get stuck or do any damage

Thanks

[NICKYPOO]

Relax bro, your just getting air down the underside of the hull. I've come to call it ventilating the prop. When pulling a rider up, do you have your taps set at 8? Keeping your taps down around 3 will pretty much eliminate that.

Next-
"I also get the same feeling if I make a hard turn to turn around to pick up a fallen boarder."

You shouldn't be doing that unless you are trying to protect your rider from an oncoming boat. The only thing a hard turn does is send rollers right down the path you want to ride in. When a rider falls, cut the throttle, turn the wheel to the right and wait for your rollers to pass, put it in gear and idle back to your rider. By stopping, you keep from sending rollers out in both directions you are riding. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to see people stay in the gas when they are picking up a rider. It messes up the good water for you and everybody else. That goes for everyone dammit.

Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to bash, I'm trying to help. The good news is that there isn't anything wrong with your boat. With a little practice, you will learn how to avoid that minor anoyance. However, every once in a while, you will "vent the prop". At least now you'll know there's nothing wrong with the boat.

[rwally]

Hey Nikkypoo,

Taps are set to 0. And I'm with you regarding going to get a down boarder/skier. Most of the time, we have to get back asap, since there are alot of other boats around. But thanks for the feedback.

I still seem to think there is something wrong...It has happened just cruising along too. Plus, once I come down to idle, there seems to be a pully squealing a bit.

[NICKYPOO]

Do you have any ballast in the back? I will also get some ventilation every once in a while just cuising along. It you get anysort of airpocket under the boat, it will get to the prop.

So far at the sqeeky belt, while it's running, check the weep hole on the bottom side of the circulating pump on the front of the motor, it's directly under the pully shaft. If there is water dripping out, it will drip right onto the belt.

I honestly don't think you have an issue. At least I hope not.

[rwally]

Nickypoo,

Will have to check the weep hole (is it on the water pump?)

Interesting about the air pockets....It does seem to happen more on choppy water....makes sense.

Thanks again.

[NICKYPOO]

It's the circulating pump. The raw water intake is down low on the starboard side of the motor. The circulating pump is the automotive type water pump found on any small block chevy on the front of the motor right above the hamonic balancer.

[rwally]

Nickypoo,

Great, thanks. Should I be concerned if there is water coming out of that weep hole? Like the pump is going bad?

[dogbert]

Originally posted by NICKYPOO
Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to bash, I'm trying to help.

What's up with that sh**? Dude, they make you take some sensitivity training? ...what's the world coming too....

rwally, you may want to check on your prop as well. They've made a lot of progress on props since our boats were made. I just went back to a 3-blade on my V-Drive because the performance is much better. If you haven't seen the new Acme 525s, check one out. Basically, your boat is cavitating. This prop will pretty much eliminate that problem, especially during the hole shot. Again, if your prop is still the original or dates back a few years, there's better options available now for boats with lots of ballast.

[NICKYPOO]

"There's been too much pain, too much suffering. Just walk away and I'll spare your lives. Just walk away."

[dogbert]

Originally posted by NICKYPOO
"There's been too much pain, too much suffering. Just walk away and I'll spare your lives. Just walk away."

Looks like the bat's gotten into your head...

[NICKYPOO]

You're pushin' your luck old man.

[Tequilasun]

"two men enter, one man leaves"

[NICKYPOO]

Yeah, don't make me sick Master Blaster on yer ***.

[dogbert]

Originally posted by NICKYPOO
You're pushin' your luck old man.

Sorry man, I was having flashbacks:

[NICKYPOO]

Doo oood. Stop that ****.