Restored boat won't lift/float

[jetboatjill]

We recently fulled restored a 1971 Sidewinder jet boat. We gutted the boat and basically started from scratch. We used the original 455 Olds engine block and rebuilt it using all new parts. We used the original motor mounts, etc. When we went to launch the boat for the first time after restoration, the transom would not lift / float off the trailer. The boat took on water due to the exhaust being below the water line. Does anyone know what to do or how to fix the problem to get the back end of the boat to lift / float? The boat is made of fiberglass, not wood. We have researched, asked other people and no one seems to know why the transom won't float. We have not added any extra weight, not that significant amount of weight to make the boat not to lift & float. Can someone PLEASE HELP us????

[DaveB]

I guess you could try plugging the exhaust until you get the boat in the water... sounds like the angle of the ramp is a bit too steep...

Might wanna do a soap test to be sure that there are no other leaks though as it'd be no fun to sink deeper. Might be prudent to leave the trailer under it for a while (15 min) even once floating and use a big truck (preferably 4x4) that won't have any problem hauling the whole mess out with the boat full of water... A shallower ramp might be a good idea too...

Good luck with it...

Cheers,

Dave

[jetboatjill]

THANKS so much for your reply. We do not have a 4X4 truck, we have a Dodge Dakota. We'll have to try a ramp that is not so steep. THANKS for your suggestion! jetboatjill

[polar]

Seen this happen before, they forgot to take the strap and binder off the boat before they launched......Hum