GENERAL INFORMATION - 1A-7
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Weight and passenger loading placed well forward
increases the “wetted area” of the boat bottom and,
in some cases, virtually destroys the good perform-
ance and handling characteristics of the boat. Opera-
tion in this configuration can produce an extremely
wet ride, from wind-blown spray, and could even be
unsafe in certain weather conditions or where bow
steering may occur.
Weight distribution is not confined strictly to fore and
aft locations, but also applies to lateral weight distri-
bution. Uneven weight concentration to port or star-
board of the longitudinal centerline can produce a se-
vere listing attitude that can adversely affect the
boat’s performance, handling ability and riding com-
fort. In extreme rough water conditions, the safety of
the boat and passengers may be in jeopardy.
Water in Boat
When a boat loses performance, check bilge for wa-
ter. Water can add considerable weight to the boat,
thereby decreasing the performance and handling.
Make certain that all drain passages are open for
complete draining.
Elevation and Climate
Elevation has a very noticeable effect on the
wide-open- throttle power of an engine. Since air
(containing oxygen) gets thinner as elevation in-
creases, the engine begins to starve for air. Humidity,
barometric pressure and temperature do have a no-
ticeable effect on the density of air. Heat and humidity
thin the air. This phenomenon can become particu-
larly annoying when an engine is propped out on a
cool dry day in spring and later, on a hot, sultry day
in August, doesn’t have its old zip.
Although some performance can be regained by
dropping to a lower pitch propeller, the basic problem
still exists. The propeller is too large in diameter for
the reduced power output. The experienced marine
dealer or a Quicksilver Propeller Repair Station can
determine how much diameter to remove from a low-
er-pitch propeller for specific high-elevation loca-
tions. In some cases, a gear-ratio change to the drive
unit to more reduction is possible and very beneficial.
It is a known fact that weather conditions exert a pro-
found effect on power output of internal combustion
engines. Therefore, established horsepower ratings
refer to the power that the engine will produce at its
rated RPM under a specific combination of weather
conditions.
