Confused on set up for boat

[Glenmac]

I am new to this forum (and boats) and have been reading alot of strings on how to set up. It is a bit confusing because of all the differences in answers that seem, at times, to be contradictory (smart tabs, foils, moving the engine up or down, changing the prop etc). I realize that all boats are probably different and require different set ups. I have a new 2004 Crestliner, CMV (more like a bass boat) 1750 with a Yamaha 115hp engine (4 stroke). It comes standard with a 19 pitch (I think 13 1/4 or 1/2 diameter) aluminum prop. The engine was set at the lowest level on the transom which put the AV plate just about 1/2" lower than the bottom of the hull which is a modified V (I moved it up a hole today). I am in the 3rd hour of breakin and have put it WOT on several occassions. It maxes RPMs at about 5200 and 44mph. I think that the manufacturers rec is WOT at 5500-6000. It also porpoises between 3000-4000 rpms but will plane out ok with the higher rpms. I talked to the dealer and he said not to use a hydrofoil and to continue breakin. What would be the recs for prop pitch to maintain the required best rpms but hold a good top end speed. I don't really care about a lightening fast hole shot but want to do what the manufacturer recs to keep up the rpms and have a good top end. Wouldn't mind losing the porpoising either. I am planning to obtain a stainless steel prop after breakin but not sure which pitch yet. Would like a higher pitch but don't want to drop any rpm.<br />(I love the boat-just want to maximize setup and lose the porpoising-have trolling motor battery etc up front)<br />Could someone help me in their experience and expertise.<br />Sorry for such a long post.<br />Thanks,<br />Glen

 

[Solittle]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Glen - A big welcome and congrats on your new boat.<br /><br />You may very well want ot tweak the motor height, play with tabs or change the prop but wait until your motor is well broken in before you do anything - say over 10-15 hours.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Glen, I agree with SoLittle. Finish the break in, and then raise the engine another notch and test it under actual use. If it is driveable and well behaved, continue to raise it until you achieve max performance and driveability compromise. The RPM's at WOT will tell you what pitch of prop to buy(+1 in of pitch = -200RPM). It is your choice whether to buy SS or Aluminum. If you boat in shallow soft bottom areas, SS is the way to go. If the water is deep or you never hit bottom, it really doesn't matter wht the prop is made of.

 

[Glenmac]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Thanks for the help. I guess raising the engine as I did will not hurt anything and hopefully help. Do you need to find some kind of spacer to place in the space between the engine bracket and the top of the transom that is there after moving it up? I don't believe that makes any difference from what I can see.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Glen

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Just raise it now by moving it up on the bolt holes for now and add an aluminum spacer when you get it right..

 

[Glenmac]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Thanks Rick,<br /><br />When I do get a spacer, where would I find one and are such items made prefab to fit and secure?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Glen

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Originally posted by Chris1956:<br /> it really doesn't matter what the prop is made of.

WRONG, it makes a LOT of difference!!!<br /><br />If you want Max Performance at WOT, It makes lots of difference, stainless props will not flex like an aluminum prop will, and the design of a stainless prop, Rake, makes a difference also.<br /><br />I would say a 15-17P SS Prop will do you fine.

 

[Glenmac]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Thank you.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Welding shop could make one to your dimensions

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

You really don't need to fill the gap at the top of the transom. It won't provide any structural support under acceleration anyway.

 

[Glenmac]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

Thanks for all the help everyone.<br /><br />Glen

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Confused on set up for boat

The first thing we do when setting up a given boat is define the intended use. Many times we have two identical rigs, right down to the trailer lights, but they end up with different set ups. <br /><br />Once we sit down with the operator and he tells us what his intensions are then we can proceed. Set up is like a big map. You have to know where you are now, where you want to be and how you want to get there.