I'm Baaaaack!

[wannagofishin]

Hi guys, long time no type. I've been busy - between fishin and working on the boat. I installed some new gauges - tach, trim, and volt, so far. I've got a new water pressure gauge but not sure now whether it's the right range. It goes from 1-15psi and someone told me I need one that goes to 30psi. <br /><br />I'm also looking for a new prop. By the tach and GPS, I'm turning 5800 RPM and hitting 39 MPH. The prop is a 17" pitch and the installation manual says that a boat my size and weight, needs a 23. I'm not sure I need to go that big but am going to try a 19 and 21".<br /><br />Dan

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Hey Dan, I would think you would need the 30psi WPG myself. My motor will idle almost at 10.<br />Let's ask the prop question in the props forum.<br />Will leave this open here also.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

It realy wasn't a prop question, more of a statement to some of the guys I've been talking to here on the Skeeter forum. I asked the question about the water pressure gauge on the Merc forum. This too was more of a statement here. As for your water pressure, what year and size engine do you have? It seems it is different for older and newer models but I'm not sure. On the Merc forum I posted all the pertinent info on my engine. BTW. Motors are electric, engines are combustion.<br /><br />Dan

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Hey that's ok, maybe someone in the prop forum can shed some light for you.<br />As far as my engine, it's a 2000 model ProMax 225.

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Hey Dan, I swapped out that old merc for a '92 85hp yamaha. Its the same f-80 and I'm running 51mph at 5200rpm with a 19 pitch prop. Did you ever install the smart tabs or jack plate?

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Hey ladano,<br /><br />No, never did get around to installing either yet. Been out of work for a while. Got a new job starting in a week and should be able to get back to the boat. <br /><br />Dan

 

[gonefishie]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

<br />Hey Dan, I swapped out that old merc for a '92 85hp yamaha. Its the same f-80 and I'm running 51mph at 5200rpm with a 19 pitch prop. Did you ever install the smart tabs or jack plate?<br /><br />

F-80 is what 16ft? and you get 51mph on an 85 horse yammy? at that speed for a small boat you would be chine walking like crazy unless you have both smart tabs and jack plate.

 

[Mike83]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

F-8- is 15 and change.<br /><br />Says who a small boat will chine walk like crazy at that speed? I run a 16.8ft Skeeter at 50 mph and it's smooth with no trace of chine walk.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Mine won't go that fast yet, but I'm certainly not afraid of chine walk. My boat's as smooth as silk at 39. My only worry for you ladano, is if you try to get insurance. The boat's rated for 80HP, and they might give you some grief. I don't know what the water police (DNR or Coast Guard, etc.) will do if they realize you are over powered.<br /><br />Sounds like fun though. I raised my engine two notches and got some blow-out on the hole shot. Like losing traction at the strip. I'm going to try the larger prop and maybe lowering the engine back to original.<br /><br />Dan

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

I live in Louisiana, everything is overpowered down here. It's a squirrely ride at 51, no smart tabs or jack plate. I'm going to drop it down a 1" for a better bite.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Dropping it down might make it worse (if you are chinewalking)... <br /><br />Chinewalking is normally an indication that the motor is mounted too low... As the drag created from the motor skeg actually prevents lift and causes the chines at the bow to not bite sufficiently.<br /><br />A jack plate will really allow you to fine tune the setup...

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

That'll probably be the next thing I do to it. It's a handfull at 50mph. I lose some top speed when I'm by myself dry. Thats why I was thinking it needed to go down an inch. Right now I have it set at the top hole. Thanx

 

[LubeDude]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Originally posted by KCLOST:<br /> Dropping it down might make it worse (if you are chinewalking)... <br /><br />

I totally agree!

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

I'm not sure how to mount smart tabs on my transom. It angles back about 40degs. I'm still shopping for a jackplate though.

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

I got my jackplate today. A hydrolic Superplate, set back 10". I'm going to install it tomorrow. Maybe I can get a rooster tail from hell.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

ladano,<br />Keep us posted on how well it works! I've thought about getting one for mine but was advised it wouldn't help much. I'd like to know if it's worth the investment.<br /><br />Dan

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Everyone has told me that it won't hurt. only help. I'll mount it up by this week coming up. I'll let you know then. Later Dan

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

See if you can get some pics of her sitting in the water after you get it hooked up. Just curious as to how low she'll sit.<br /><br />Dan

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

I'm thinking a couple of inches more. bad thing is I fish alot of salt water also. It can get rough pretty quick down here. Hopefully this week it will be on. Later

 

[ladano]

Re: I'm Baaaaack!

Here it is mounted. I have to get a new steering cable now.