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Problems with my 05 ZT 218 BR

Enforcer

Enforcer

Member
I recently purchased a 2005 ZT 218 BR & have been having problems keeping the bow from hopping up & down. It seems the more I trim it up & the faster I go, the more it becomes unstable. I just got back from Lake Ontario & after I had 2 friends sit in the front, it worked fine. So I put sand bags in the nose to weigh it down & had similar success. I could add trim tabs, but feel it should run stable without them. I know they only made this model 2 yrs or so & now call it a ZT 230 BR. Was there an issues with design or should I try a different prop? She comes right up on plane & runs 70mph with my mirage 23p. Any suggestions? :brickwall:
 
You should be able to find a sweet spot where the prop can carry the bow at top speed without porpoising. I'd try different props first, see what happens. And don't trim as high.
 
JW,


She just feels to light, with some extra lbs in the front she runs great. I find myself always backing the trim down to try to keep it steady. I saw a 07 ZT 230 BR that had tabs, maybe it is necessary? :confused:
 
Enforcer said:
I recently purchased a 2005 ZT 218 BR & have been having problems keeping the bow from hopping up & down. It seems the more I trim it up & the faster I go, the more it becomes unstable. I just got back from Lake Ontario & after I had 2 friends sit in the front, it worked fine. So I put sand bags in the nose to weigh it down & had similar success. I could add trim tabs, but feel it should run stable without them. I know they only made this model 2 yrs or so & now call it a ZT 230 BR. Was there an issues with design or should I try a different prop? She comes right up on plane & runs 70mph with my mirage 23p. Any suggestions? :brickwall:
Click to expand...

The 218 and 230 are NOT the same boat. No comparison.

The 218's are prone to hopping. Call the factory and ask them what they do.

I drove one in Minnesota in 2005 and it did the same thing...
 
Enforcer,

I have a ZT 230 and I agree with xsive, this is not the same boat as your ZT 218. I did have a similar issue with my boat and the local boat dealer locked the motor trim at a level where the porpoising does not happen.

It keeps the boat stable and some less experienced drivers from getting into trouble.

You can always over-ride the trim lock by a quick push/release of the trailering trim button.



Rob
 
If the factory doesn't know what to tell you, try this: Rather than run a bow lifting big-ear type propeller (Mirage), switch over to a stern lifting cleaver prop. If the 218 really runs that light up front, a cleaver prop might cure the issue without resorting to adding weight to the boat. Most checkmate boats need a lot of bow lift, but the small ZT's may be the few boats that can benefit from the cleaver props.
 
Thanks guys! I will give Kip a call & see what he thinks. I am also going to stop buy a local marina & check into testing different props. :thumb:
 
See if he has a Revoluion 4 prop. It'll give some stern lift to it vs the Bravo's bow lifting tendancies.
 
Quick Update.

I spoke to Mike at the factory & he recommends a Mercury Vensura 4 blade 23P prop. He confirmed your theory's that the 4 blade prop will lift the stern higher & allow me to trim it more with more blades in the water. As soon as I locate one, I will update you guys on the outcome. Thanks
 
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