Explorer 275 2000

[D'SHOW]

Hello. I am new to the forum. I live in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and just bought an Explorer 275 2000.  I have a problem with her and would like to see if there any advise. It seams that no matter how much i trim her, she tilts to the one side, then I trim her again and will tilt to the other side or the same side. I know i am not over trimming bc I have trim indicators. I would like to know if any body else has had this problem. I don't know if it has to due with my current trim tab size or the motors. She has Bennett tabs 12x9.  I called Bennett for suggestion and of course the want me to by newer and bigger tabs, 12x16 to be exact. The motors I have are Mariners EFI 250 with 4 stainless steel blades. Same people are suggesting to change to 3 blades. Any suggestions??

[seabob4]

First question.  With tabs all the way up, when you get over the hump and on plane, how does the hull react, right after you get on plane?

[D'SHOW]

Stable

[D'SHOW]

As I get to 3,300 rpms, and specially if I have a few more rpms in one engine than the other, the problem starts. I can actually level the boat out by accelerating the motor that is on the side that is leaning.

[GoneFission]

Do the engines sound synchronized at speed?  Is there a chance one tach is off?  

Also, are the motors counter-rotating or are they both turning with normal rotation?  

BTW - the number of blades on the props won't make much, if any, difference...

[seabob4]

D, sorry...Welcome aboard!

The 275 is a very stable hull.  While most "lists" occur from imbalance, I don't think that's your issue.  What I would be looking at is the hull bottom, aft...for hooks, both sides.  If the hull bottom has distorted due to improper support, the hull being pulled green from the mold, whatever, hooks will develop at the transom...basically built in, permanant trim tabs.

That's my opinion...

[D'SHOW]

Thanks for the info will look into that. Could the current tabs 12x9 be to small?

[D'SHOW]

Engines are counter rotation. One does not sound faster than the other.

[seabob4]

Thanks for the info will look into that. Could the current tabs 12x9 be to small?

D, the point of my first question is that...under normal operation, the boat should NOT need tabs.  That's why I asked about her behavior with the tabs fully retracted.

Do you have any ability to contact the previous owner?  We call them PO's, you'll see that a lot here.  If you can, ask him about the handling characteristics.

[fitz73222]

Does she list to starboard? What are the engines alignment? I have found that alignment can contribute to a list condition. Are they towed in, out or neutral tow? Measure the distance between the prop shaft centers and measure the front of the gearcase bullet centers and see what the difference is. I have found that 4 blade propellers can contribute to a list depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, engine height can be a factor. Unless there is an abnormality in the hull bottom, I believe this can be solved with adjustments.

[seabob4]

Farley may be correct.  Engine height, with the 250 Mariners (Mercs in gray suits), should be second hole down from the top mounting hole.

[Circle Hooked]

If the tabs are mounted correctly I find it hard to believe it's them, if you distribute the weight in the boat right you shouldn't even need them, the boat should run fairly level, I'm with Farley on the motors.

[D'SHOW]

Will cheque the motor mounts and will get back to you guys thanks for all the advise.

[gran398]

We never asked the question...to which side does she roll at speed?

Guessing port side.

Agree with the guys...it's not a tab issue.

[fitz73222]

Does she list to starboard? What are the engines alignment? I have found that alignment can contribute to a list condition. Are they towed in, out or neutral tow? Measure the distance between the prop shaft centers and measure the front of the gearcase bullet centers and see what the difference is. I have found that 4 blade propellers can contribute to a list depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, engine height can be a factor. Unless there is an abnormality in the hull bottom, I believe this can be solved with adjustments.

One of things I learned to do with mine with non counter rotating 115's was how to counter act a running list with engine trim settings. Mine wanted to list to port at cruise speed. So I would bump out the trim on the starboard engine very slightly and it would pull down the starboard side and pick the port side back to level. One of the things I did was make stainless steel tilt pins from round stock and had the base trim angle exactly the same when trimmed in so I had a baseline to work from. Now with trim tabs you have the ability to make minor adjustments by bumping down the port tab (if it lists to port) and pick up the port side back to level. I still think you can adjust your way out of the list.