Ladder Drag

[BangsBenni]

I just bought a used 2006 2050RL with a 75hp Yamaha and trying to get a little more speed. With 6 people total (4 people in the boat and 2 on a tube) I am getting about 15 mph and with 2 people and not pulling a tube I am getting around 21 mph at 5,900 rpm's. Currently using a 13 pitch prop; tried a 15 pitch but lost 1,250 rpm' so looking for other options. I noticed there is a very large wake being created by the ladder because it sits so low in the water and yes it was in the up position . This would seem to me to be creating a lot of unnecessary drag. Has anyone mounted the ladder any differently to reduce the drag? Just looking for thoughts and suggestions.

 

[RiverBill]

BangsBenni,

Hate to tell you this but your getting about all the 75 HP has to give! My first pontoon was a 20 footer with a 70 HP 18 to 21 MPH was all it could do! Did see 25 MPH one time with one person on the boat 1/4 of fuel, going down river with a 20 mph tail wind! The reason you are seeing a big wake is probably your not getting the boat up on a full plane. Just my thoughts.

Riverbill

 

[BangsBenni]

Thanks RiverBill, makes sense, the boat with a fuller gas tank and payload does sit low in the water so probably not getting enough speed to get to a full plane as you suggested. I read some forums about tweeking a 75hp to perform like a 90hp through a change to the CPU/ECN or whatever you want to call the motherboard of the engine. Will see what some more research holds on that subject. Thanks again for the reply!