Engine/Boat question.

[Joc0677]

Hi,

I have a 2003 215 Explorer with a two stroke yamaha engine 150.  Say I was going 45 rpm and all of the sudden I make a complete stop in order to hit the wave better.  The fact that I come to a complete stop, could it potentially damage either engine or boat?

Also, how can I tell what's my best rpm? Or how many rpm's should I be getting as minumun and maxium?

Thank you for your time.
Joc

[fitz73222]

Hi Joc,

Won't hurt a thing. Your full throttle RPM should be 5300-5600 rpm. A typical good cruise rpm would be 4300-4500 depending on your load, about 27-32 mph, you are a little light on horsepower for that boat so a little more throttle at cruise would be necessary. A 200 would probably cruise at 4100-4300 and obtain the same speed. There are lots of 215 Explorer owners in our forum that probably have some good numbers and prop combinations for you. Did someone tell you that it would hurt the engine shutting it down fast? There are ways to cross a wave or a wake without having to pull the throttle back so abruptly unless you were really flying and a wake snuck up on you. It's happened to all of us.

[GoneFission]

Hi,

I have a 2003 215 Explorer with a two stroke yamaha engine 150.  Say I was going 45 rpm and all of the sudden I make a complete stop in order to hit the wave better.
Joc

Don't come to a complete stop - you then have no manuvering speed.  Slow down, take the wave at a good bow angle, and continue on...   But don't  come to a full stop unless to want to go down a big wave in reverse...  

[pete]

did you shift it into reverse during this quick stop?that would be bad,shift into reverse only at idle speed.going from forward int neutral at any speed is ok.

[jasons215]

Joc,
Hello and welcome to the site!    I too own a 215 explorer equipped with a 200 Johnson.No offense but if your not sure on operating a boat I would highly recommend taking a boating course. I for 1st hand have taken almost every course (Hunters Ed, Boating, Survival, Motorcycle) you could take. Not because I ddnt know what I was doing but to better educate myself. You will be surprise on what you didnt know!    I will be happy to try and answer any question about your explorer that I can.
Johnson motor max RPM's are 6000
My boat with a 14 1/2 x 19" prop will do 49mph @ 5700 RPM lightly loaded
Loaded down with 4 people, 100 gal, tops out 44 @ 5400

[Joc0677]

Hi all,

Thank you for your input and comments.

Fitz: I was told by another boater that it could damange the engine.  I've done it a few times when all of the sudden I see a big wave.

Gone Fishing:  I never thought about the fact you could go down in reverse.  Great advice

Pete: I don't shift into reverse unless in idle

Jason: I agree with you because some people don't take the time to understand safety boating.  I did take several courses and will continue but this was a general question.

Once again, thank you all for your help and for taking the time to respond.  Have a great boating season.

Best,
Joc

[GoneFission]

Spend $20 or so and get a copy of Chapman's as a start - best $20 you will spend if you plan to operate a boat:  



http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloting- ... 0688148921

[seabob4]

Chapman's...been around forever, for a reason...