Something is NOT clear here. Water does NOT come over the transom unless the
stern is way too deep into the water, or something is protruding into the
water and driving a spray into the boat.. A smaller h.p. than normal engine
is lighter than the boat is supposed to support. It might not EVER get you
on plane, but it shouldn't cause what you are describing.

Do you have a hydrofoil; tabs; or any other devices on the stern? Do you
have a transducer; speed indicator; baitwell intake; that is spraying water
back up and into your boat? Can you post a picture of the stern of the boat?
Is the engine size ( short/long shaft) correct for the boat??? Do you have
"self draining" openings at the deck level that could be plugged??

What depth is the engine's anti-cavitation plate relative to the bottom of
the hull?? Could the hull be full of water ( if it is a foam impregnated
hull)? Could the transom be full of water due to screws not being sealed?
That, by itself, would weigh the transom down and bring on some of the
conditions that you describe.

Some of the conditions I've asked about only cause troubles when the boat is
moving. The way you describe it..it sounds like too much weight is in the
stern..perhaps due to a water-logged transom??? Can you weigh the boat,
motor and trailer and then subtract the known weights of the motor and
trailer and find out if this boat has absorbed a lot of water? I don't know
if the hydrosport has a foam core, but it certainly sounds like a
super-heavy hull.

Tell us more please. RichG
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners

"BobS" wrote in message
m...
Help! I bought a Use Hydrosport 17ft fishing boat. Every time I go out
I take on water. When I'm just sitting there, water comes over the
transom and swamps my boat. This happens in water with a light chop or
rough waves.When I get home I pull the plug and get 50-60 gals. of
water from the hull. I've taken it in but all I get is a run around. I
can't find any leaks or cracks. Does anybody have any ideas? Is there
a reason for the stern to sit low in the water? I can't even stand in
the back of the boat without havig water up to my ankles. Thanks