X30 porpoising problem

[a.ribelin]

I have an 2002 X30 with the L18 big block. We only have about 30 hours on the craft (20 hours on new engine-long story) and even after the dealer has fiberglassed a hook on the back of the hull, we still have extreme porpoising. Anyone else heard and/or have this problem?

I see that the new X30 comes with a large mono trim tab, could this be a solution?

[jimjohn]

Same problem on the X2 if you weight the back much. The best answer is to put some permanent weight under the front seats. You can just put some chain under the seats like I do. Lead also will work, but it is expensive. Just to prove my point, next time this happens, just move some people into the front of the boat and it will stop.

[OhioProstar]

Same problem on the X2 if you weight the back much. The best answer is to put some permanent weight under the front seats. You can just put some chain under the seats like I do. Lead also will work, but it is expensive. Just to prove my point, next time this happens, just move some people into the front of the boat and it will stop.

Great reply....well thought out and adds to the discussion.

[jimjohn]

Like Emerol would say "BAM!"

[a.ribelin]

Mastercraft should be responsible for the poor ride quality if they offer a boat with too much motor (weight). I bought the boat very slightly used from a non-local dealer; the local dealer says that he refuses to sell X30's with the L18 stating that it is too heavy for the hull design. I should have kept my 1992 Prostar 190 which we loved and was totally trouble free.

[Amazongb]

A friend of mine had the same problem with the big block and his 03 x30. Dealer glassed the back etc and it didn't help. The dealer just gave him a full trade for the boat and he got another boat. I'm sure it's the weight factor of the big block that doesn't help. I have an x10 which will porpoise at 30+ with lots of weight towards the rear. You kinda have to expect that with a boat that is designed to run stern heavy. :)

[Diesel]

I see that the new X30 comes with a large mono trim tab, could this be a solution?

I think this is the answer...................

You should be able to ge MC to hook you up with one since you are having so much trouble.

[Danimal]

I have seen this term porpoising a couple times now. Would some one be kind enough to explain what it is? I don't mean to jack the thread, just curious. Thanks.

[east tx skier]

Bow of the boat rises and falls at speed like flipper.

[ski_king]

porpoising is when the bow jumps up and down, like a porpoise.

Typically when the boat is loaded too much at the rear.

My 82 will do it when I have 3 sitting in the back seat and I am at wide open trottle.

Maybe that is why they redesigned the 06 X30. To better handle the big block.

Believe it or not, jimjohn actually had some good input on this one. His dad must have told him.....

[east tx skier]

A friend of mine had the same problem with the big block and his 03 x30. Dealer glassed the back etc and it didn't help. The dealer just gave him a full trade for the boat and he got another boat. I'm sure it's the weight factor of the big block that doesn't help. I have an x10 which will porpoise at 30+ with lots of weight towards the rear. You kinda have to expect that with a boat that is designed to run stern heavy. :)

Hi, John and Allen. Welcome.

[gregg]

Update for those interested in effect of a waketab on my 2002 210. Received a shipping confirmation email from Overtons today. Should have and install late next week and test that weekend. Would think if results are good, you could expect the same on a 230. I suspect that is why they come on the 2006 models.

[Danimal]

Thanks guys!

[Prostar19]

The trim tab is an option on the 06 230's and X30's it started out being standard but was not needed. It does help with wake shape and pulling kids at low speeds. Also helps smooth out the slalom wake.

[salt&pepper]

I have a 2002 X30 and it will porpoise, but not excessively. I have the LQ9 engine.

[Jim]

Update for those interested in effect of a waketab on my 2002 210. Received a shipping confirmation email from Overtons today. Should have and install late next week and test that weekend. Would think if results are good, you could expect the same on a 230. I suspect that is why they come on the 2006 models.


Would love to see some pics of the install on the transom. I have an 04 X10 and it seems like the rear drain plug would be in the way. Hope it works well, I would like to do the same.

[bigmac]

Would love to see some pics of the install on the transom. I have an 04 X10 and it seems like the rear drain plug would be in the way. Hope it works well, I would like to do the same.

On the 2006 X30's and 230's that come with a center-tab, there is a semicircular notch cut into the flange that screws into the transom and the drain plug goes in that notch. If I were going to get the tab, I'd take it to a local metal fabricator and get such a half-circle notch cut into it. About $10. It would be a true biatch to do that in stainless steel with my hand grinder.

[bigmac]

:twocents:

[prostar205]

I have an '02 X30 with the L-18 and mine does not porpoise. I usually have 2 people in the back, myself driving and one in the passenger seat. Maybe that is considered "evenly weighted".

I have other complaints about this boat - does ski worth a #$@$ and the Perfect Pass will not hold its speed. I too believe this is too much motor for this boat.The slightest movement in the throttle and the boat takes off.

[Maristar210]

I did some research on methods to weight the bow other than adding ballast. I did it because of the height of the bow and the difference in weight between the driver and the observer. (Sorry honey) I saw a method in which you fill garbage bags with sand and then put them inside a nylon gym bag. Sounds cheesy I guess but it worked really well. It brought the bow down at low speed and evened out the wake. Cheap and flexible.

Steve

[Joel]

We own a '96 Maristar 200 and it porpoises above 30. I added 200 lbs under the bow seats and settled it down some, but i have to be VERY careful not to swamp. MC and the local dealer say there wasnt a problem with that boat.
I have receive a little info on hooks and trim tabs. Does anyone have any experience with either?
Joel

[BigBarney]

Where are you guys getting the information on the '06 230 X30 having an optional trim tab? Also, I looked on Overton's website for trim tabs, but was wondering what item you (gregg) ordered?

[gregg]

BigBarney: Not sure about the tab being an option. When I talked to Mastercraft about this, I was under the impression the tabs came as standard equipment. I was told it was to improve the ski wake, but I wonder. Type Bennett in the search box in Overtons and it will take you to 3 pages of Bennett tabs. Page 3 has the x-14 tab I ordered. If I remember correctly they also make an 18 and 22 inch tab. Not sure of the measurement between the x30\230 exhaust ports, but my 210 in 14 inches. According to Michael at Bennett the transom mount is already cut for the transom drain. Is scheduled for delivery to me on Wed. so will know soon.

[bigmac]

Where are you guys getting the information on the '06 230 X30 having an optional trim tab? Also, I looked on Overton's website for trim tabs, but was wondering what item you (gregg) ordered?

Was just standing in an '06 230VRS about an hour ago at the dealer. Nice boat - lots of little improvements.

Here's the tab on the 230VRS. The dealer told me it's standard on that boat IIRC. I noted that it's a Lenco. Nice, beefy piece of equipment.

http://mccollister.info/06maristar/waketab.jpg

[SkiDog]

I also have an 03-x30, and it does the same thing at certain speeds. However my motor is the MXC. Doesn't matter, the weight in the back of the boat is the problem. If mine gets too bad, I put a little water in the front ballast.

[AirJunky]

I have an x10 which will porpoise at 30+ with lots of weight towards the rear. You kinda have to expect that with a boat that is designed to run stern heavy. :)
This is a crock & I for one would never expect it. For most wakeboarders it may or may not ever be a problem. But foil riders ride at those speeds! I ride at 27 & if the boats bow is going up & down, then the tower is moving forward & backward, then the handle is pulling & going limp in my hands constantly! I've riden behind several boats with the problem, Maristars, X10s & an X30, and it's a PIA to wait till the boat settles down to bust out a roll or a gainer. Or worse, you DO bust it out & you get yanked out the front into a giant swan dive & with a 30 lb ski strapped to your a$$.
The boats should NOT do this, period.

[Jerseydave]

Was just standing in an '06 230VRS about an hour ago at the dealer. Nice boat - lots of little improvements.

Here's the tab on the 230VRS. The dealer told me it's standard on that boat IIRC. I noted that it's a Lenco. Nice, beefy piece of equipment.

http://mccollister.info/06maristar/waketab.jpg

Note that the Lenco has internal hydraulics......no fluid lines!!
Just an electrical connection through the transom.....NICE!!!!
Where can you buy that tab? (Besides the MC dealer)

[prostar205]

The Lenco trim tabs do not use any hydraulic fluid or reserviors. They are totally electric incorporating a reversing jack screw mechanism similar to that used on the upper tail elevator on a MD-80 aircraft.

[bigmac]

Note that the Lenco has internal hydraulics......no fluid lines!!
Just an electrical connection through the transom.....NICE!!!!
Where can you buy that tab? (Besides the MC dealer)


http://www.lencomarine.com/Resources/PowerHome.jpg

The Lenco units are all-electric. I don't see any tab on their website like the one on the 230, with the three fins underneath and the power-unit mounting arm off the back. I'd call the factory to see it they sell it, or if it's custom made for MasterCraft and you have to buy it from a dealer.



.

[Jerseydave]

Thanks for the correction. I thought it had fluid inside. Seems simple.

[Joel]

I measured and spoke to lenco and you need 15 in. from the hull up for clearance. There is barely 9. Also, the local dealer said to check somehow for water logged floatation. (added weight) Also, one of the mechanics suggested trying to fab a temporary hook from duct tape for a one time trial to see if it stopped the porpoising. Both BS solutions, i think.
Duct tape, geez.
jrh

[Tom023]

I used the duct tape method on one of my offshore boats to figure out how much hook to put in to solve the same problem. It only takes a thin layer to make big improvement in handling.