Re: Overpropping...is it all bad???
Mr. L - On a 60 degree V6 it will live much longer, and be happier, at or near 6000 than 5500. Depending on which pack you have the rev limiter is at either 6200 or 6700. My 60 degree motors are set up as close to 6200 as I can get them.<br /><br />Antiga - If it needs to go higher we usually add a jackplate between the motor and transom. Either manual or hydraulic. The jackplate sets the motor back some which helps with the center of gravity or lift points. It also allows the motor to be raised higher than conventional mounting. <br /><br />The advantage of a higher mounting is less drag. That equates to better efficiency which means less slip %. That means better fuel economy, longer life, better top end and better holeshot.<br /><br />In a perfect world if we could hide the gearcase completely behind the transom we'd have as little drag as possible. Unfortunately we still have to deal with water pick up and prop bite. <br /><br />One of the reasons that prop is so good is the large diameter. A large diameter prop will run higher (a greater X dimension) and a 4 blade will generally run higher than a 3 blade.<br /><br />Another advantage is that with a manual plate you can raise or lower the motor easily without removing the motor. A couple of wrenches and a few minutes and its moved. Of course with a hydraulic plate you simply push the button (personal favorite).<br /><br />The downside of raising the motor is we may run into steering cable lengths, water pick up and prop bite issues. <br /><br />If the boat has hydraulic steering most hoses are long enough to allow the 5" setback (or whatever setback you use). Sometimes with cable steering we have to go to a longer cable.<br /><br />It is possible to go high enough to get the water pick ups out of the water and the motor will suck air. Thats pretty high but possible. Then we go to scoops or low water pick ups or transom pick ups etc. I dont think we'll get to that point with a Renegade, close though.<br /><br />The other is prop bite. With a jackplate it is possible to raise the motor so high the prop will not bite. With a Renegade it'd have to be pretty high. Another issue we wont be dealing with, I'm sure.
<br /><br />I'd still like the dumbed down version though... 