Power problem

[John McK]

Took the Islandia ('03) out the other day and ran into some trouble - I was running at close to full speed when I saw some floating debris in the water and slowed to 1/4 throttle to get around it. When I went to throttle back up the boat had lost motoring power. What I mean is that the engine would rev up and we'd start forward but then at over 1/4 throttle the rpm would increase and no more forward power would occur. Same in reverse. We made it back to the marina at 1/4 throttle and then trailered the boat.

I got up under the boat yesterday and found found a 3-4" long piece of tree limb caught in the pump between the impeller blade and the side of the pump. It was about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. I am hoping this is all that was causing the problem but wanted to ask if anybody else had thoughts? I read a couple threads where folks had what sounded like the same power problem and users had suggested the boat owner check (1) the wear rings and (2) the seal carrier for an air leak.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RFoster130]

Could just be the obstruction. Since you cleared it out, take it back out. IF it runs good, you are fine. If not then I would suspect you need a new wear ring. How did the blades of the impeller look?

 

[John McK]

Good advice. Headed out of town for the next two weeks but will definately get it in the water for a test ride.

Impeller blades looked OK with a couple small nicks/dings. It is not pristine by any stretch. Any thoughts there?

 

[RFoster130]

Smalls dings are normal. When you get back just give it a test spin.

 

[John McK]

Ok. Will let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.

 

[John McK]

Finally got the boat out for a test ride today - smooth sailing! We were out for a couple hours cruising and had a great time. Boat ran up to full power, got on plane then cruised. Thanks for the help. Looking forward to a great summer!

 

[RFoster130]

awesome!!! its usually something just stuck

 

[John McK]

Are you aware of any OEM or Aftermarket upgrades to the intake cover/grate? We were out today and a plastic 6 pack holder (the thick kind on the big soda bottles) got wrapped up in the shaft. Couldn't get it all out while on the water and so had to motor back at 1/4 speed - long ride. Any ideas on a different intake cover/grate? If no different ones then any other ideas? Thanks.

 

[D 5UPE]

Anything that can get in the inlet and stay in the pump would slow you down.
Best to get in the water and pull it out if possible.

Check you haven't damaged the vanes in the pump. But then some pump vanes are plastic, some are alloy. But they still break.