Getting on plane with 55hp homelite

[markgahn]

Does anyone have experience with homelite 55hp outboards and getting boat to plane off? I have around a 1960’s 17 foot runabout Galaxy hull and a 55hp homelite outboard motor and can not get it to plane out. My rpm’s are around 4500, tried three different pitch props, adjusted the outboards kickout, tried adjusting timing some, sent my carbs out for some rebuilt replacements, no fuel in tanks just the 5 gallon carry on tank and still can’t get on plane. Wondering if I should weigh this hull, is it too heavy for the motor? How heavy are most boats in this category? Any help is appreciated.

[lotec]

Not sure what the design or weight is on your Galaxy, but based on your 4500 RPM I think you are seeing about the best you are going to get out of the Bearcat.

Boat-to-boat there are huge differences in the way a motor will perfom depending on design, hull weight, etc…. For example, a 17′ Boston Whaler Montauk with a Bearcat was adequate. (As long as you didn’t overload it.) I had a 17′ Tripp Angler center console with a Bearcat 55 – it was a relativly heavy hull and had a fine entry-way. The crew had to go to the bow (with the gas tank!) and it took quite some time for the bow to come down and the boat to plane off. That boat was much better served with a 75hp motor.

The Bearcat is a fine motor, in many ways it’s probably the equal of today’s 4-strokes. But it is a 4-stroke, so it just doesn’t have the grunt of a 2-cycle.

EDIT: My 1965 ABOS Guide says the Bearcat was rated at 5,500 RPM – so you may be able to get a little more out of it with a different prop. But if you are not yet on plane at 4,500, I wouldn’t expect a miracle….

[mgsolakis]

Is it a wilker galaxy? Is so those are very deep very stable hulls. You may need more hp. What’s the boat rated for?

[markgahn]

Thanks for the replies. I am really thinking of weighing this boat at the local cement plant to find out if the hull is to heavy. I am not near the boat at the moment to see if it is a "Wilker Galaxy" or not. Thank you both "Lotec" and "Mgsolakis" for responding. I will post additional info soon. Thanks again

[jeff-register]

You may have water inside under the floor. Again what pitch prop? Full of oil in the gearcase? Timing set correctly? Seems like you may need more ponies.

[ray-schaber]

I tried my Homelite 55 on my 15 ft. Bayliner deep V and it ran at 25 mph. With the 85 hp Force it ran at 40 mph.
Ray

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