Fisher Avenger 16

[Guerry McClellan]

I have a 2007 Avenger 16 with a 2008 60 hp 6-stroke Merc. It is the craziest boat I have ever owned, and I have owned more than 10 different ones. It will not stop porpoising!! It will scare you to death as the amplitude increases with each rise and fall. The dealer has swapped props, added a hydrofoil, and mostly scratched his head.



With the motor all the way down next to the transom (i.e., no trim), the boat runs smoothly at 5200 rpm WOT (way too slow for this motor). The prop is a 10 5/8" X 14". If you trim the motor up (i.e., away from the transom), the rpm and speed will increase (up to a max of 5800 rpm) and the uncontrolled porpoising begins. If I fill the live well with water (about 20 gallons), moving the center of gravity forward, the porpoising decreases some, but is just as wild as ever if you turn right or left.



I will refrain from the litany of faults found with the construction of this boat. It generally rides well at low speeds and is typical of most deep semi-V boats with very steep turns (will actually take some water over the side if turned sharply). The only thing I have not tried are trim tabs. I am considering Smart Tabs because the cost is reasonable, and what do I have to lose at this stage.



I would be grateful for some suggestions from anyone who has experienced similar problems and resolved them.

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

Is there a hook or defect in the transom area of the hull???

 

[Jim in VA]

Is there a hook or defect in the transom area of the hull???

My thoughts as well. I have a G3 HP180 (high performance tin rig). When they first came out, they had a similar problem with porpoising at higher speeds no matter what trim was used. Turns out they needed some extra tabs welded to the bottom for water flow. I'm by no means an expert, so I can't explain exactly the cause. I just know that mike c. warned me to make sure the rig I had was outfitted with those tabs and mine does, so it runs well.



Have you talked to a Fisher dealer or the manufacturer to find out whether this was a common problem or whether a fix was ever developed?

 

[Rich Stern]

I have a 2005 Fisher 16 Hawk SC. I believe it's the same hull. Mine has the 90 four stroke Merc. She'll run smoothly at any trim angle, with no bad habits. Overall, one of the best boats I've ever owned.



You might want to get out a big straight edge, and put it fore-and-aft on the hull's running pad to see if there's something wrong with the running surface.



Is your starter battery in the rear compartment, and trolling battery under the front deck? Got any other major gear on board?