A (mostly) uneventful day on the water at last!

[rbcoomer]

Well, finally got some proper testing in for our 'new to us' Fletcher Arrowsport. I had intended to do this before the Fletcher rally, but due to a mix or weather, illness and work, the rally became the shakedown! Unfortunately a number of issues scuppered her run on the rally, but we did manage to do some testing and identify three issues. The first was water in the fuel - this became obvious on the slipway and had clearly been lurking behind baffles in the tank. I had pumped out the tank via the bulb, but there was clearly still more in there and I'd topped up with another 50L! Issue 2 was after having switched to the spare (portable) tank, we headed out to follow the group in 1M+ seas, but lost drive short of Berry Head and had to be towed in! :-( Back on the pontoon, we found this to be prop bushing failure and an impromptu run home and a prop-swap fixed this one too. Joining the twilight cruise, the sea was much better with perhaps 0.5M swell, so first chance to open her up. Third issue was less easily fixed - serious intermittent over-voltage - peaking around 18.5V!!! Thus she was retired from the rally before the electronic fried - or worse caught fire...

Since the rally, I have removed and cleaned the metal tank, fitted a new regulator and a water separator. I have also bought a 53L tank to fit as the metal tank has significant pitting, but layout of filler means cutting a new filler neck and I've yet to source a 50mm hose tail bulkhead fitting!

I've just put her on the visitors pontoon for a week and will look to test a bit further over the next week. We went out for a pootle around first and tried some faster runs, but have already determined that we need to work on the balance a bit. She's almost impossible to get on the plane with anyone sat in the back and even with Cheryl & I up front and Edward sat on Cheryl's lap, she struggles... She will go if pushed then however and when the motor hits around 4500rpm the bow drops and rapid acceleration to high 30's follows in short succession - albeit with severe porpoising! I do have the anchor and an extra battery in the stern, but I think the 60L tank is much of the issue. A friend had an Arrowflash (15') and that had similar traits.

I have a pair of smart tabs that I think is the next thing to try (along with moving the spare battery and anchor into ski-locker), but ultimately I think adding the 53L plastic tank to the ski-locker with a new deck filler is the answer along with removal of the metal (stern) tank.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the panel in respect of moving the tank - is this likely to make it bow heavy? (I can trim out to create more bow lift, but can't trim in any more to create less...

Many thanks,

Robin

P.S. be warned there are a LOT of pots around the Bay at the moment attached to all manner of floating items! We went to pick up a 'stray fender' that was actually attached to a long rope and pot! We realised too late about the long rope whilst focussed on the fender and the prop grabbed it before we did! Luckily low rpm and no damage apart from to my pride - sitting there with engine trimmed up, wet feet untangling :-(

A few pics from today:

Ours is the port (red ) Fletcher...

A fine day in Torquay!

Blue skies at last!

 

[Vitesse]

Nice pics. Hope you get the trim sorted.

Today was definitely a good day to be out. We had our first mackerel of the year off Torcross and flat seas around Start and Prawle Points. We didn't even need our coats on!

Pot markers were being dragged under though, and we came close to a couple even though we were looking out. On our way back to Salcombe they had all popped up and were no problem.

We saw a seal (briefly) and a pair of ducks and attendant brood of chicks about a mile offshore.

 

[rbcoomer]

Thanks - I've yet to do Salcombe after 3 years of intent, but reliability is key and with a slightly bigger boat and newer engine, we're hopeful! The best we captured on camera today were what I think are Monkfish in Torquay Harbour and some starfish on the bottom... the water is that clear at the moment!

My Missus is desperate to see the seals or porpoises, but they're never there when we are! The boat's in for the week however, so hopefully a few nice evenings this week between work etc!

There seem to be twice the number of pots this year and many seem to be marked with plastic cans tied by the handles... (or fenders! :ambivalence

 

[rbcoomer]

 

[Galia]

Looks like you are getting better weather than us ! Rain here most of the day.

Smart Tabs are the way to go. Our boat has the 75hp outboard , the s/steel 130ltr fuel tank and the passenger bench seat all to the rear of the boat (Galia 530). Consequently if you have fuelled up and have guests on board getting over the hump was interesting to say the least :eek-new: .

They are easily fitted and made a world of difference, although if we happen to have particularly sturdy guests they are still invited to come forward alongside the helm until we get on the plane !

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Hope this helps
George

 

[rbcoomer]

Thanks George, yes - useful feedback! :encouragement: Sorry about your weather - I gather the low's stuck out to the West and just missing us...

I have smart tabs on our 14', but need to redo transom etc so I can 'borrow' them for now! I actually had her closer to vertical than I'd like today!

The 14 actually handled the chop much better than this one - and even more so with the tabs. It had a 50 Evinrude that I fitted and prior to that a 30 with doel-fins. The fins were good on the 30, but the 50 was heavier and I wanted to assess the handling characteristics with smart tabs. Must admit I was impressed with the change overall, but in particular it's stability in mixed chop. She got on the plane easily anyway, but sat very stern heavy at slow speeds which created a tendency to wander. The Arrowsport at 15'9" is much worse on all counts and doesn't feel 'planted' at speed (worse at 18kts than the 14' was at 30kts without tabs). I think this is down to weight - 90hp Merc, 60L metal tank and 2 batteries weigh quite a bit! Once battery can probably go now - I was carrying as spare because the boat was new/unknown. Chatting to a guy who races down in Plymouth, moving the tank to the forward ski locker seems to be the best all round fix - especially as I have a new plastic tank to fit anyway. I think I'll add the tabs too and assess the difference.

 

[Vitesse]

Someone has just posted a youtube video of basking sharks off Bolt Head. We should have turned that way!

Wouldn't have fit in our smoker though.

 

[thejonesey]

Hi all,
There is a faint possibility that my job will take me down to Newton Abbot next year. Looking at Google maps the nearest marina is Torquay so I was really interested to see you there. Is it good/is there any atmosphere? I was a little put off by its size.. Should I consider anywhere else? That said if the job happens I am really looking forward to cruising these waters as your pictures show a fab place to be!

 

[Galia]

Than.....r now! I actually had her closer to vertical than I'd like today!

Yeah when you have to look where your going through the side window & not the windscreen its time to worry ..... and we were on a river at the time !!!

If you know someone with a ski boat or into wakeboarding they sometimes have flexible ballast tanks that can be filled with water. Pop one of those in the bow with whatever quantity of water that your fuel tank holds and take a run out with minimal fuel on board - see how that fixes the trim.

G

 

[rbcoomer]

Hi all,
There is a faint possibility that my job will take me down to Newton Abbot next year. Looking at Google maps the nearest marina is Torquay so I was really interested to see you there. Is it good/is there any atmosphere? I was a little put off by its size.. Should I consider anywhere else? That said if the job happens I am really looking forward to cruising these waters as your pictures show a fab place to be!

It's certainly a great location and the coastline all the way down into Cornwall is diverse and full of gems! Torquay is great if you want to be close to nightlife and good access to road/rail network, but if you want quiet and more sedate stay then go to Brixham. I confess to loving both - born in Brixham and grew up in Torquay. I also ran one of the nightclubs back in the late 80's/early 90's so the wild side doesn't phase me! There's lots to do in the area both by boat and car - from Dartmoor to coastal hideaway's like Salcombe, The Yealm and The Dart. Loads of forum members locally, so you'll find plenty of friendly boat enthusiasts too! I wouldn't be anywhere else, but perhaps I'm biased?

 

[rbcoomer]

Someone has just posted a youtube video of basking sharks off Bolt Head. We should have turned that way!

Wouldn't have fit in our smoker though.

Yes, seen that - was on the news too. Some of our mob saw the porpoises off Berry Head at the rally too! The closest I'm been is the seals in the Dart

 

[rbcoomer]

Yeah when you have to look where your going through the side window & not the windscreen its time to worry ..... and we were on a river at the time !!!

If you know someone with a ski boat or into wakeboarding they sometimes have flexible ballast tanks that can be filled with water. Pop one of those in the bow with whatever quantity of water that your fuel tank holds and take a run out with minimal fuel on board - see how that fixes the trim.

G

Hey, good idea - I have some 25L water drums I could use if they fit in too... Might try that first as moving 100kg+ is going to make a fair difference I think!

 

[thejonesey]

Thanks very much for the quick reply! I suppose because Brixham and Torquay are both MDL we could swap if we get bored or fancy a change of scene! We may well cruise over from the Solent this summer if the weather sets fair and have a look.
Rob

 

[rbcoomer]

Thanks very much for the quick reply! I suppose because Brixham and Torquay are both MDL we could swap if we get bored or fancy a change of scene! We may well cruise over from the Solent this summer if the weather sets fair and have a look.
Rob

They do a freedom berthing if you're with MDL, but Brixham fills before Torquay I think. Please feel free to give us a shout if you come down - I can give you some places to visit and avoid The Dart's a must if you come this far!

 

[landlockedpirate]

Boat looks great,as does Torquay.

Family had a new Fletcher Arrowsport in the 80's with a 2 stroke 90hp Yamaha. It was a flying machine, planed easily even when fully loaded and topped out about 45mph on the dodgy speedo. Boat had more than enough power to pull us barefoot sking, so the performance problems you mention are a real concern. It shouldnt need a doelfin and should plane easily. Is the engine pulling full power and is the replacement prop the right one ? It shouldnt need tabs either, if it starts porpoising (I dont remember the Arrowsport doing it, but the 19GTS did), just trim it up, once it starts flying it should smooth out.

 

[rbcoomer]

Boat looks great,as does Torquay.

Family had a new Fletcher Arrowsport in the 80's with a 2 stroke 90hp Yamaha. It was a flying machine, planed easily even when fully loaded and topped out about 45mph on the dodgy speedo. Boat had more than enough power to pull us barefoot sking, so the performance problems you mention are a real concern. It shouldnt need a doelfin and should plane easily. Is the engine pulling full power and is the replacement prop the right one ? It shouldnt need tabs either, if it starts porpoising (I dont remember the Arrowsport doing it, but the 19GTS did), just trim it up, once it starts flying it should smooth out.

Thanks Mark - previous owner reckoned they'd water skied at 38kts and I don't doubt she will do it. I've not yet hit WOT as the boat doesn't feel right if that makes sense? She's very erratic and twitchy when she is planing and quite difficult to get there in terms of needing so much power. With 1 adult in the front and 1 in the back, she just digs in deeper until you have a 5' wall of water behind you! My son's only 10 and absolutely hates it - to the point of 'I want to go home!'! I really don't want to put him off as he loved the 14' and the aim of the boat isn't torture! Perhaps we were spoilt with the 14' as it was very stable at speed, smooth to get on the plane and turned on a sixpence - this one doesn't feel as 'planted' for lack of a better term - i.e. skittish and unpredictable - and I think down to weight distribution/balance? The best analogy I can think of is a rear engined, rear wheel drive car with bald tyres in the rain! The prop is 19p. To be honest, the sea was lumpy today - not uniform swell, but more random with some flat patches and some quite large troughs - not ideal to testing consistency and poise. Some of it is me getting used to her characteristics too I think, but I have experienced a number of different Fletchers and none have handled like this. I'll retry with a drum of water up front before I move stuff around.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Have you got the engine trimmed all the way in when setting off ?

Fletchers dont feel like you are discribing, there is something wrong. You wont need a drum of water. Ours ran easily with 6 or 7 adults and kids on board, anchor and chain,battery and 2 portable tanks under stern and lots of skis in the bow. I know that yours is a newer model and the deck has more substance to it than ours did, but even so it can only be 40 or 50 kg heavier.

A quick run through on the Mercury Prop Calculator (with some guessing of figures) suggests a bigger pitch prop is needed, 13 x 21 to 13 x 24.

 

[rbcoomer]

Have you got the engine trimmed all the way in when setting off ?

Fletchers dont feel like you are discribing, there is something wrong. You wont need a drum of water. Ours ran easily with 6 or 7 adults and kids on board, anchor and chain,battery and 2 portable tanks under stern and lots of skisin the bow. I know that yours is a newer model and the deck has more substance to it than ours did, but even so it can only be 40 or 50 kg heavier.

A quick run through on the merdury Prop Calculator (with some guessing of figures) suggests a bigger pitch prop is needed, 13 x 21 to 13 x 24.

Thanks again Mark - yes trimmed right in. I've been making a list of weight from memory: The tank is metal and weighs perhaps 8-10kg? I think it's 60L. There are currently 2 batteries (one each side - the 2nd not connected). Then there's a 4L can of oil, by tank, spare prop, ski pole, flag pole and a few lighter odds and ends under the rear seat. The anchor is perhaps 10kg with about 6M chain (8mm?) There's various 'stuff' in the side pockets like flares, throw line, hydraulic oil, ropes etc and paddles, jump leads and more ropes etc under the floor. There isn't much up front - and I think that's the issue, i.e. not so much too much weight, but where it is. I'll remove the extra battery during the week and move the anchor and oil to the forward ski locker. Then take her for blast around the Bay before refilling the tank (we've used about 20-25L I'd estimate). She'll hopefully handle better and we'll know we're on the right track! I do have a 21p stainless prop from eBay, but want to get a benchmark before I try it.

 

[TheOrs]

Boat looks great,as does Torquay.

Family had a new Fletcher Arrowsport in the 80's with a 2 stroke 90hp Yamaha. It was a flying machine, planed easily even when fully loaded and topped out about 45mph on the dodgy speedo. Boat had more than enough power to pull us barefoot sking, so the performance problems you mention are a real concern. It shouldnt need a doelfin and should plane easily. Is the engine pulling full power and is the replacement prop the right one ? It shouldnt need tabs either, if it starts porpoising (I dont remember the Arrowsport doing it, but the 19GTS did), just trim it up, once it starts flying it should smooth out.

Thanks Mark - previous owner reckoned they'd water skied at 38kts and I don't doubt she will do it. I've not yet hit WOT as the boat doesn't feel right if that makes sense? She's very erratic and twitchy when she is planing and quite difficult to get there in terms of needing so much power. With 1 adult in the front and 1 in the back, she just digs in deeper until you have a 5' wall of water behind you! My son's only 10 and absolutely hates it - to the point of 'I want to go home!'! I really don't want to put him off as he loved the 14' and the aim of the boat isn't torture! Perhaps we were spoilt with the 14' as it was very stable at speed, smooth to get on the plane and turned on a sixpence - this one doesn't feel as 'planted' for lack of a better term - i.e. skittish and unpredictable - and I think down to weight distribution/balance? The best analogy I can think of is a rear engined, rear wheel drive car with bald tyres in the rain! The prop is 19p. To be honest, the sea was lumpy today - not uniform swell, but more random with some flat patches and some quite large troughs - not ideal to testing consistency and poise. Some of it is me getting used to her characteristics too I think, but I have experienced a number of different Fletchers and none have handled like this. I'll retry with a drum of water up front before I move stuff around.

I agree with Landlockedpirate; you shouldn't need to ballast your Arrowsport if it is set-up correctly. I have an Arrowflyte with a 75 Merc, a friend has a 155 Arrowsport (albeit the previous model to yours) with a 90 Merc and a neighbour years ago had a 155 with a 70 Merc. These are all basically the same engine as yours. Both Arrowsports feel/felt far more 'planted' than my Arrowflyte which turns quicker but feels more twitchy at speed.
My friend and I both add ballast in the bows of our boats but only because we are pulling fat old men on deep-water mono-ski starts! When we are just out for a blast we don't bother.

<Teaching Grandma to suck eggs>
How high is your engine? The anti-ventilation plate should be roughly level with the pad when trimmed level.
Where is the engine on the transom? Mine is offset about an inch to starboard. Some people fit them centrally. If yours is offset to port that would be bad.
Are all the engine bolts fitted and tight? The nuts are usually brass and I have seen them stripped and the engine moving around.
Is there any slack in the steering gear? This can cause some bizarre handling characteristics.
Is the lower trim stop bar still fitted? Most workshops remove this when fitting this engine to small sport boats like yours. It allows the engine to get that important last bit of trim-in for better acceleration.
The prop pitch is good but is it the correct diameter? I think it's meant to be something like 13.25". 38 knots/45mph should be bang on for an Arrowsport with that engine/prop combo.
Is there water trapped in the boat?
</Teaching Grandma to suck eggs>

Good luck; let us know how you get on.

Darren

 

[rbcoomer]

Hi Darren,

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts. Would agree that it shouldn't need ballast, but can't get away from the weight at the stern. I'll address each point in turn below:

Both Arrowsports feel/felt far more 'planted' than my Arrowflyte which turns quicker but feels more twitchy at speed.

I have the opposite which is why I've concluded the balance is off somewhere

How high is your engine?The anti-ventilation plate should be roughly level with the pad when trimmed level.

Factory fit I believe and yes, ideal alignment.[/QUOTE]Factory fit I believe and yes, ideal alignment. AFAIK.

Where is the engine on the transom? Mine is offset about an inch to starboard. Some people fit them centrally. If yours is offset to port that would be bad.

Agreed and slightly to starboard I think - will measure how much tomorrow when I go down - Arrowflyte was 1.5".

Are all the engine bolts fitted and tight? The nuts are usually brass and I have seen them stripped and the engine moving around.

Yes - checked there's no movement.

Is there any slack in the steering gear? This can cause some bizarre handling characteristics.

I didn't feel any and did check the steering as it had new cable fitted 12 months ago by previous owner (had been laid up since with only one outing). Steering feels responsive enough but not enough hull in the water I think when she does get on the plane to get stability and hasn't yet been flat enough for sustained run/play with trim. (too busy keeping in straight line/getting thrown about and trying not to scare nipper witless! )

Is the lower trim stop bar still fitted? Most workshops remove this when fitting this engine to small sport boats like yours. It allows the engine to get that important last bit of trim-in for better acceleration.

Interesting point and Yes - still fitted! (perhaps worth removal to facilitate 'trim in'...)

The prop pitch is good but is it the correct diameter? I think it's meant to be something like 13.25". 38 knots/45mph should be bang on for an Arrowsport with that engine/prop combo.

Yes - 13.25" 3 blade ali @ 19p

Is there water trapped in the boat?

Possible, but hadn't been used bar once for 12-18 months and not in last 12. I've had approx 8 weeks and she's been parked on a slope with drain out and both covers fitted. She was dry inside when I collected and I think had been stored inside. There could of course be water absorbed into buoyancy foam or caught behind stringers if cells have been compromised, but floor appears solid and wood where exposed (e.g. edge of ski locker in floor etc) is dry and rot-free.

I went down with a friend today and he concluded that she does sit a little stern heavy - for example, the seawater slops through the drain holes of the splash-well and if I sit on the stern the slightest wash will lap over the transom. At rest with nobody aboard, the transom is perhaps 2" above waterline max. (Wouldn't expect much more with the 90 on the back perhaps)

Going to try moving some weight during the week...

Thanks for all the responses