2004 SAN 210 with Perfect Pass: Seems to pause before getting to designated speed

[slhesten]

I've got a 2004 210 SAN with Perfect Pass and would like some help to figure out why the throttle seems to slow down before reaching the designated speed. For example, I'll set PP for 21.5 mph, then begin to pull the skier out of the water until, at around 12 to 14 mph, the throttle slows down enough so that I need to give it a bit of juice to make it to 21.5 mph. After I give a bit more throttle, PP does its job with excellence.

Why does the boat slow down when I'm in the middle of accelerating to 21.5 mph?

Thanks for your help!

Steve

[johnboyy7]

You may not be giving it enough throttle for pp to engage. pp does not engage until you surpass your target speed.

I give plenty of throttle on the start then as we approach target I back off some so I don't over shoot very much.

Hope I explained it okay.

[gride300]

i do the same. just dont run rpm's too high getting there. i usually back it off right before it get's to the set speed so it doesn't over shoot. just finesse it like a woman

[slhesten]

Could this be related to the Nautique 2003 recall notice #9?

I wonder if this is related to the center ballast intake messing up the PP (as described in the 2003 recall)? Any thoughts?

[bowvan]

Shouldn't be related to the recall. Look under your boat to verify. Your '04 should have a flat intake for the center ballast, not the scoop style. The recall replaced the scoop style with the flat style.

While your down there, inspect your paddle wheel. It’s pretty easy to accidently bend the protective fins that run alone side the paddle. I’ve done it a few times just from getting a little sideways while launching the boat.

Have you changed your FCC filter lately? I experienced the same symptoms with my old Supreme. I had a bubble of water in my fuel tank and when the boat would plane out, the bubble would cover the fuel pick-up. The fuel filter eventually bypassed and water made its way to the motor, causing a few seconds of hesitation at the same speed every time. Changing the fuel separator and sucking out the water from the fuel tank solved the problem.

[slhesten]

The grill looks flat and the paddle wheel is okay.

Just checked the boat and everything seems to be in order below the waterline! The fuel cell was replaced last year but I haven't had any problems with gas flow.

Thanks for all your help everyone. I'll just keep trying to get the speed right...it isn't difficult but just a bit of a pain.