[Roger C. Therie]

I own a 1973 pequod 34.5 ft in length 12ft Breadth 7.0 ft depth. I have a problem with the boat yawing when I reach approximately 18 knots. I would appreciate any help or information that would help rectify this problem.

Thanks,

Roger

[CaptTom]

Roger,
Welcome to the forum. We could use a little more info on the problem, as in do you have trim tabs and if so, are they up or down when you have this problem? Also, are you running into or have a following sea when this happens, or both? Have you redistributed weight in the boat, as in moved a water or fuel tank, extra supplies or gear, etc. Has this happened for a while or started recently, perhaps after some other change?
Many experienced folks on this forum, so I'm sure you'll get some help.

[SeaEric]

The 34 Pequod is a wonderful boat. They ride nicely and have great lines. The standard power was most likely the 318ci Chrysler, rated at 225 to 240 HP or thereabouts. I'm guessing that perhaps your boat has been repowered with larger horsepower if she is making 18 knots. As suggested, tab position is probably important. Some of the older traditionally designed boats just don't do well when pushed to higher speeds. I have a friend with an older 36 Hatt that he has repowered with larger engines. He reports that she gets a little squirrely at the top end. Perhaps she wants to run at 16 and not 18?

[Jeff G]

Not very timely but...I have a '76 Pequod and I cruise at 17-18 knots running my 318's at 3200. She'll make 22 flat out - these are GPS numbers. The first year I had her ('99) I ran at 2600, making about 13-14 for economy as the secondaries open at 2750. She was badly behaved at this speed, very physically hard to steer, wouldn't track and would veer off in the slightest sea. The condition was agrivated by putting in any tab. I discovered in making a passage from Annapolis to Philadelphia (trying to outrun a cold front) that running her up to 3000 gave me 16-17 knots, easy steering and good behavior. When I ran the numbers, my GPH went from 15 to 20 but my MPG was about the same - just shy of 1.

I have found that in following seas, she runs better at higher speeds with no tab. The tabs are good for flat water giving a little speed boost so you can run maybe 100 rpm slower for equivalent speed. I have some theories but I'm no naval arc.

Jeff

PS there's another forum for Pequods: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ne...ghlight=pequod

[Seaeagle]

I am new to this forum but what I have seen so far i'm glad I stummbled on this site, I 've been searching for Info on the Pequod since I started looking at this boat to purchase. These forums have giveen me plenty of information as well as making a little more comfortable about my purchase. Thank you to everyone who post on this site.

[Seaeagle]

I've been trying to learn about my 78 Pequod with out a manual. The owner is no help. I have figured out most of the functions. The boat has been sitting for 4 yrs. engines have been ran but boat never moved out of the slip. batteries were disconnected and arent strong enough to start one of the engines. Is there a charging system in the system? I think I have found the fresh water filler and the pressure inlet has no tube/hose connected to it. I cant get any water pressure. Helpppp?

[NYCAP123]

First, going back to the first post: did anybody find a 7' draft on a 34' boat a little strange. Like maybe she's sunk in 4' of water.
Second, Although I'm not familiar with this model boat (and I assume the 78 refers to the year), if there is a charger it would be mounted on a bulkhead. However even if there is a charger it's bound to NOT be a smart charger so it will probably cook the batteries if it works at all. Your best bet is to pick up a regular auto charger for now to get things working although 4 year old batteries in a boat that's been sitting are bound to be no good. In fact I'd probably skip the charger altogether and just go for the new batteries. Once started the alternator should keep them charged.
Third, if this boat has been sitting in its slip for the past 4 years you best take a swim because I suspect she's going no place.
Fourth, when you refer to the fresh water fill I assume you're talking about the boats fresh water system (not the motors cooling system). Is there a tank or just a shore water connection. In either case if the hoses are disconnected it's because the system leaked. You're looking at replacing the entire system. Remember, more boats sink from dockside water than salt water.