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Cavitation Problem on 27" toons with Yamaha 115
ThePad
Member Posts: 8 ✭
There is an obvious problem, which I am sure you are well aware of, with cavitation on 27" pontoon with Yamaha 115 motor. What is the manufacturer stance on this issue? I read where one person received a longer propeller shaft under warranty? There have to many people out there with this issue? I have had the boat on the water 3 times and it runs terribly. The trim is all the way down and still does not work right at 4,000 rpm.
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In the past I've called Nautical Group on another issue and they were very helpful.
Good luck with the lowing , I know how you feel. Mine was so bad that the kids would lift up from there seat when it happen. I still get an occasional blow out, but no where as bad as the cavitation was. If the blow out get worst I'll ask what can be done. It might just be debris causing it. Yes please update us
I'll let you know how it turns out. Just hope they get to it this season.
I am also experiencing the cavitation issue that you guys are referring to.
If 2 or more adult are sitting on my front loungers cavitation is inevitable unless the motor is trimmed all the way down. Since I have fishing chairs in the rear, seating passengers behind the helm is not an option when I am underway. That leaves me to place my passengers on the L-shaped lounger across from the helm. I have not had more than 3 passengers on board so far so I have no idea how bad the cavitation will be when I have 4 or more people on board.
I feel for you friend, and know just how upset you are.
Yes they know they have an issue with the 27" tube setup. The sad thing is even if it's fixed like mine was they don't strive to do a 100% correction. After extending the shaft they should have raise the motor all the way up and tried it. If the cavitation was still there they should have lower one notch at a time to determine the optimum performance position. I had to ask they lift it two notches and pay for the labor.
If next year it's still ok I'll have pay to have it raised one more notch because I'm sure the performance will improve if there still is no cavitation. It's not just the cost that frustrates me it's the wasted time and seemingly lack of concern for my issues with this purchase. I'm not so sure Sweetwater is the problem name for these toons.
Sounds like you may be right. Glad I had work done before the sale, but still it's not right. I had an extension added to shaft which improved condition, but I lost several mph on top end. Recently had motor raised to notches to compensate and it improved the top end speed, but I get slippage after a few minutes running. Will maybe try a new propeller. This problem so far has resulted in costing me $125 raising the motor and will likely cost more before resolved. Right now I just want to corrected problem at a reasonable price. However if I knew I'd have this kind of issue would never have purchase the 115hp would have went with the heavier 150hp or another manufacturer .
Well another year coming up so I'm refreshing this Topic. I'm not looking forward to facing the same cavitation, and slippage issues, but not much choice so getting a head start on Forum to see if anyone has found a way to resolve the issue. I was going to have propeller changed, but my dealer suggested I wait until the tubes were cleaned this year. However I did go to the Yamaha site and used the online propeller guide. The results came up with a recommendation Pontoon Performance Diameter: 14, Pitch: 11, or 14/12 or /14/13. I asked the dealer what was currently on the motor and he stated a 17 inch or pitch but he wasn't sure witch, likely pitch. I was surprised because that was way more than what was recommended on the Yamaha site. I was a bit excited thinking that this might correct the condition. To be safe I called Yamaha and was again surprised when the Tech stated that 17 in diameter was the correct size for the setup. Now totally confused and wondering if anyone has try using a different propeller on the F115 LB engine with positive results
I am getting ready for the upcoming year as well. Has anyone tried the Whale tail hydro foil? It appears to be an inexpensive option at this time.
I purchased my boat at the end of summer last year so I only got to use it a couple months. I love this pontoon boat. My only complaint is the cavitation issue I experienced a couple times. there is virtually no headroom in trimming the engine while underway. Especially if I have anyone sit in front of the helm.
I am getting ready to get my boat back in the water in the next week or two. I will wait and see what happens.
I had my SW 240 DF raised after the shaft was extended. I still have issue ,but think it's slippage instead of Cav. now. Had them clean the tubes and told them to replace the propeller hub if there was any doubt. Read someone had same problem but after replacing what appear to be a good hub problem went away. ShoeDoctor: I think you have the same issue as I had before shaft extension was installed. Many have an issue with the 27 inch tubes have to get it lower. Like you said trim is useless. I know if I still have problem I'll try different propellers. Problem is no trailer so dealer does all the work and it's $120 a pop just to raise or lower. Should be free, never was right. I'll let you know what results, hope you find a solution.
I be willing to sell back, and purchase a model configuration that hasn’t got this problem.
End of story I HOPE!
This is not the way I should have had to correct it (costly), but it worked, and after 2 years I just wanted it fixed.
Replaced 115hp with 150hp.
The 150 HP finally installed, and cavitation issue is gone. I was hoping to get better WOT Speed, but the ride was so sweet by comparison I'm just glad to be done with it. The service department claims they had it up to 33 GPS, I saw 31.8, but believe if well-trimmed 33 is likely there somewhere .Speaking of trim I can actually effectively use it now. Anyway I turned sharply into some wakes, and did multiple max turns and had no real detectable slippage, or cavitation.
I don't believe any attempt to determine best engine height was done, think they just went by the book. I'm sure with some effort 36 mph would be within reach, but as I said what a sweet ride by comparison, it felt like a big cat clawing up a tree instead of a spider trying to climb up a glass. Trolling speed is a little faster than I'd like, but not bad. I figure fuel consumption should be about the same because the 115hp was surely inefficient.
Anxious to see how she is with 6 or more onboard.
If the 6 person ride goes well, the fat lady can start singing.
Engine Yamaha LF150 (long shaft) I’m told they think Prop is Stainless Diameter: 14.5, Pitch: 13 cupped
For me the extension didn't really help that much, and still slipped. I lost about 9 mph or more top end with it too. It's weird but I don't think 115hp could handle the prop needed to eliminate all cavitation. I recently hand 12 adults onboard with about 7 coolers and these weren't small people. I had to be right on the 15 person limit and with the 150hp I was able to hit just above 19 mph with no slippage. I hated to have to eat the cost, but the performance of a L150 XA blows the 115 away and likely was the only true correction outside of having the transom mount replaced with the correct unit, and waiting another year with crossed fingers.
Good luck hope you fine an easier solution.
My 2017 boating season was pretty much a bust due to my elderly parent's unexpected medical needs so my cavation issue remains the same.
I dropped off my 2286 to the dealer on April 28th to once and for all get the cavation issue resolved. Here it is two months later and my boat is still there waiting on Godfrey to send the correct drive shaft for the extension kit. It took 8 weeks for the dealer to finally receive the kit (Friday June 23rd) only to discover that the shaft in the kit doesn't mate up to my shaft. I am a very patient man but this is ridiculous. I've lost two months of prime boating season with no resolution in sight.
My dealer contacted Godfrey Saturday June 24th so we will see what happens.
I will update this post as soon as I know something.