I had a customer with an 896 Nitro that wouldn`t run. One day I was moving the boat and heard a strange sound. Walked to the back pushed on the hull and it sounded like a barrel of water. Water was trapped in the hull. Drilled some holes at the bottom sides of the bilge. Must of had 60 gallons of water in it.

Exactly what I had to do to get mine draining, I know I�ve gotten at least 15 gallons out. So I called a shop about pulling the topcap and removing the foam, nobody would even think about giving me an estimate on the cost. Wouldn�t even give me a worst case number, new stringers & etc... Our boats are supposed to have closed cell foam, which isn�t supposed to water log; but the water gets trapped around all the voids in the foam and just ssllloooowwwwwlllllyyyyyyyyyy drains out.


I don�t want to reread the entire thread, are you sure you�re getting full throttle with the hotfoot & throttle cable in the cowling? Seems like it could be out of adjustment since the powerhead was replaced. Would also explain the props not having different WOT rpms.

I talked to Chris at classic fiberglass who did my hull repair, and he stated he didn�t think water could have gotten into the foam. He believes my problem is elsewhere. Gonna meet up with a nice man from here on the forum who offered to assist me free of charge, in couple weeks, and rule out couple other things. I hit 57 mph yesterday with new prop worked at Steve�s in Quitman, but it�s still only getting 4900-5k rpm.

Mines a 2005 champ 198 and the water in mine didn�t get in there from the bottom either. Let�s just say that they must�ve had some quality control issues when it came to using sealant around the jackplate bolts and the screws under the transom stainless steel corner piece.

But hopefully yours is really something else, if you do find something let us know.

Did your mechanic lake test the boat?

Yes, they can�t figure out what�s wrong with it. They say the motor is 100% solid... they think it�s something to do with the prop and set up, but I know it�s not that from elimination and taking it to Steve�s out near lake fork.

Well the new prop worked by josh did help... but still only getting 5100 rpm.., better hole shot for sure and seeing 60 mph. I know every boat and set up are a little different so this may just be all she�s got. Thanks.

if you are only turning 5100 you are still below max rpms

Yeah I know, I just can�t afford to put anymore money into it chasing the problem... I�ll change out rpm gauge or what not to make sure that�s not the issue and I guy from here on the forum is gonna assist me in checking another possible issue.

you can use a dwell meter on the #1 cylinder to confirm rpm's if your unsure of your tach readout

Tachs prob right, mine runs 68 at 5600rpm, so I can see 60mph at 5000rpms.