Bought new Oakie Gator - problems - Your input please

[Tombrennan]

Never had an airboat before! its a 24 HP Honda on a 10 X 5 okie airboat hull just like their web site picture *(11 ft) only 1 ft shorter. its unstable with my 200 lb. wt. plus it will not plane when I goose it - only makes a wake. Any and all advice would be appreciated! Tom from Riverview.

[br,lc,LA]

boats too narrow and you don't have enough power... what other advise do ya need

[River-Runner]

There is several people that are having problems with them from Okie gators

[SWAMPCRACKER]

Sorry if I sound too blunt..But I would play around and learn how to control it since it controls just like a full size airboat..Then sell it and buy a real full size airboat... maybe a 12-13'x7 fiberglass hull with either a car or aircraft motor...jmho

[chuckitt@earthlink.net]

Hey Tombrennan, Is it Fiberglass or Aluminum? If it is fiberglass, i would like to see it. I may can tell you what to do to make it run. You can call me at 352-330-1015.
Thanks, Chuck

[Tombrennan]

its a green fiberglass hull just like on their web site. I live in Riverview - where are you located? And thanks for yours and the others replies. its appreciated.

[gruprgetr]

start off runnin it in skinny water 2-6 inches it'll plane out

[Tombrennan]

Hi Chuck, THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOURS AND DAVID'S HELP AND EXPERTISE! Okiie Gator has a lot to learn and I'll be glad to tell them after I try this "Bad decision" again. I'm still working on exhaust - got some flex that's a little too big and working on mufflers at the tractor store, slow going. stay tuned.

[Tombrennan]

Update: I covered the "slit" exhaust pipes with some galvanized pipe and added small mufflers and it improved throttle response immediately by adding some backpressure. Took it out yesterday by Tampa Bay and I can tell it wants to go but I couldn't find a good spot, I need a very shallow place to get my courage up to pull the trigger. Chuck at Airboat Pros fixed me up by cutting a little prop off, realigning my rudders, etc. and I have gained 500 valuable RPM's however part of me wants to sell it. stay tuned and again thanks for all replys.

[yobee]

Update: I covered the "slit" exhaust pipes with some galvanized pipe and added small mufflers and it improved throttle response immediately by adding some backpressure. Took it out yesterday by Tampa Bay and I can tell it wants to go but I couldn't find a good spot, I need a very shallow place to get my courage up to pull the trigger. Chuck at Airboat Pros fixed me up by cutting a little prop off, realigning my rudders, etc. and I have gained 500 valuable RPM's however part of me wants to sell it. stay tuned and again thanks for all replys.

I would stick with it a little bit, 500 rpm gain is ridiculous on a boat that is supposed to be turn key... I understand tuning and tweaking something you built, but for a "manufacturer" to sell something like... ehhhhhh. Stick with it, learn it, and get yourself ready for a big boat

[KC5AKB]

Find someone to take you out on a Airboat and get pointers from them if you have never been on one . Looks like you are in FL, Its a great ride. Welcome From Tx