16.5 Navigator

[gunflint]

Has anybody heard of problems with these plowing water? Something about a design flaw in the 16.5.

[Trollin226]

Not really a design problem where the bottom sheet of aluminum meets the transom it should be a close to a 90 degree angle. The problem comes in if the bottom has to much of a downward curve right before it meets the transom it will push the bow down causing the boat to plow water. Not enough of a curve it will ride high and you will get a lot of front end bounce and proposing. You can check this by putting a straight edge on the bottom of the boat too much of a gap before it meets transom you might have a problem. This is something that should be covered under warranty where alumacraft goes back and peens the hull to get it at the proper angel.

[gunflint]

Ok, thanks.

[Ranckenstuff]

Not really a design problem where the bottom sheet of aluminum meets the transom it should be a close to a 90 degree angle. The problem comes in if the bottom has to much of a downward curve right before it meets the transom it will push the bow down causing the boat to plow water. Not enough of a curve it will ride high and you will get a lot of front end bounce and proposing. You can check this by putting a straight edge on the bottom of the boat too much of a gap before it meets transom you might have a problem. This is something that should be covered under warranty where alumacraft goes back and peens the hull to get it at the proper angel.

Do dealers check for this before they sell a new boat?

I used a navigator tiller with a 75 all year last year, and noticed a little porpusing, but I am not too experienced in diagnosing this type of problem.

[marine_man]

It all depends on if your dealer water tested the boat prior to you picking it up.

If they did, they might have caught it... but it's not guaranteed.

I presume trimming the motor down didn't take care of the porpoising problem?

marine_man

[Ranckenstuff]

ok, thanks, mm

The only situation in which I encountered porpousing was with a full load and at the same time accelarating to get on plane.

[marine_man]

And you had the motor trimmed down all the way when you were trying to get on plane?

marine_man

[Ranckenstuff]

yes.