Boating is an exhilarating experience that provides an escape from everyday life. However, if your boat is experiencing porpoising, it can make the ride a bit unpleasant. Porpoising is a repetitive up-and-down motion that occurs when the boat is moving at high speeds. It can cause discomfort, impair the handling of the boat, and even damage the structure of the vessel. Here are a few ways to fix a porpoising boat and get back to smooth sailing.
1. Slow your speed
Porpoising is caused by the force of the water pushing the bow of the boat upward. Therefore, reducing the speed of the boat can reduce the force of the water, reducing the up-and-down motion. It’s suggested you bring the boat down to around 20-25 miles per hour, and this will make a noticeable difference.
2. Adjust the trim
Most boats have trim tabs at the back of the boat that can be adjusted to help with porpoising. By lowering the trim tabs, the stern of the boat will be pushed down, which will help reduce the upward force from the water. Always start by lowering the trim tabs one click at a time until you see an improvement. If your boat doesn’t have separate trim tabs, then you can adjust your engine trim tilt if you have that feature.
3. Distribute weight
Another way to fix a porpoising boat is to distribute weight. By moving weight to either the bow or the stern, you can help balance the boat and reduce the effect of the water’s force. If you are going to be going at high speeds, consider moving weight to the bow in advance to help prevent porpoising. If you only have one person on the boat, have them sit as far forward as safely possible.
4. Check your propeller
Make sure your propeller is in good condition and the right size for your boat. A damaged or worn out propeller can cause vibrations, which can in turn cause porpoising. Also check the pitch of the propeller – if it’s too high for your boat, you may need to replace it with one that has lower pitch.
5. Adjust your planing attitude
Some boats are known to porpoise if “planing attitude” isn’t correct – basically, the angle of the boat at high speeds. Adjusting the angle can have excellent results when trying to fix porpoising, although it is not an easy fix. Your boat manufacturer may have specified the correct attitude, so following their recommendations is always best.
In summary, porpoising can be fixed by reducing speed, adjusting trim or weight, checking your propeller, and adjusting your planing attitude. These simple fixes can help you restore the comfort and safety of your boating experiences. If you aren’t comfortable making these adjustments themselves, ask a professional for their guidance.