6 replies to this topic

[jrm012]

Took the 2003 Islandia (Mercury 240) out today and ran into some trouble - boat was running a bit funky when we took it out. I had let it warm up at the dock and then motored out into the main body of water and ran it up 1/4 to 1/2 throttle up position. It occasionally got a hitch in its giddy-up (slight tick up or slight tick down). We stopped for a bit and let the kids play in the water for about 20-30 min and then started back towards the marina. I was running at 3/4 to full throttle when I saw some floating debris in the water and slowed to 1/4 throttle to get around it. When I went to throttle back up the boat had lost motoring power. What I mean is that the engine would rev up and we'd start forward but then at over 1/4 throttle the rpm would increase and no more forward power would occur (I could hear the engine reving but nothing was happening down below). Same in reverse. We made it back to the marina at 1/4 impulse power :-) and then trailered the boat. Does anyone know what might be going on here? Thanks.

[rookie101]

jrm012, on 01 May 2010 - 05:30 PM, said:

Took the 2003 Islandia (Mercury 240) out today and ran into some trouble - boat was running a bit funky when we took it out. I had let it warm up at the dock and then motored out into the main body of water and ran it up 1/4 to 1/2 throttle up position. It occasionally got a hitch in its giddy-up (slight tick up or slight tick down). We stopped for a bit and let the kids play in the water for about 20-30 min and then started back towards the marina. I was running at 3/4 to full throttle when I saw some floating debris in the water and slowed to 1/4 throttle to get around it. When I went to throttle back up the boat had lost motoring power. What I mean is that the engine would rev up and we'd start forward but then at over 1/4 throttle the rpm would increase and no more forward power would occur (I could hear the engine reving but nothing was happening down below). Same in reverse. We made it back to the marina at 1/4 impulse power :-) and then trailered the boat. Does anyone know what might be going on here? Thanks.

Some of the debris you slowed down to avoid ended up getting sucked into the pump and you're cavitating. Crawl under the boat on the trailer and have a gook look in both ends of the pump. It doesn't take much, so look real close.

[jrm012]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look. Although part of me hopes its that simple (i.e. the wallet side of me) the other side hopes its not and that this drive-train isn't that sensitive to debris. My home lake (Claytor Lake) is essentially the New River dammed up and isn't the most pristine water in the world. If this turns out to be the culprit then I am going to have to wonder if we should've avoided a jet boat. I'll let you know what we find. Thanks.

[jrm012]

You were right. I checked the boat today and found a 3-4" piece of wood (tree limb) caught in the pump between the impeller blade and the side of the pump. It was about 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Hard to believe something that small could have caused the problem - however if that's all it turns out to be I'll be happy.

Any ideas on whether I need to have anything else to make sure the pump is OK? I read a thread on seadooforum.com where someone had a similar problem and one of the users suggested the owner check the wear rings and the seal carrier for an air leak.

Thanks.

[jrm012]

Finally got back from travel and got the boat in the water today - ran like a top. Ran it up to full power, got on plane, then cruised for a couple hours. No worries. Thanks for the advice!

[Kevin Leclair]

Great news, glad to hear everything is running normally again!

[jrm012]

Are you aware of any OEM or Aftermarket upgrades to the intake cover/grate?  We were out today and a plastic 6 pack holder (the thick kind on the big soda bottles) got wrapped up in the shaft.  Couldn't get it all out while on the water and so had to motor back at 1/4 speed - long ride.  Any ideas on a different intake cover/grate?  If no different ones then any other ideas?  Thanks.