Step down pump

[gilbertc9]

Recently purchased a 1986 27.5 foot sea ray sun dancer 300 hp alpha 1. Am new at this, can somebody tell me what the step down pump is? There is a switch for it on the dash but it doesn't seem to do anything. Am also having trouble getting on plane, is this because the boat is so heavy or should i try different props I see others with this problem. :?

 

[racer514]

THE STEP DOWN PUMP IS USUALL THE BILGE PUMP THAT IS FORWARD OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VERY RARELY NEEDS TO BE USED. IF IT DOEWSN, YOU PROBABLY HAVE A PROBLEM. ON MY 81, I ONLY USED IT AFTER GIVING THE COCKPIT A REAR GOOD BATH.

 

[phil]

When you are trying to get on plane do you have the drive all the way down? The drive should be all the way down. What is your max RPM at full throttle? If this is within the engine manufacturers specified max RPM you are probably propped right, if it is lower than the specified RPM you should get a prop with less pitch or smaller diameter. You might also try a 4 blade prop to help with getting out of the hole.