72 mercury 1150

[jason1150]

need help with this one, I've got a 16 foot stylecraft fiberglass boat with a mercury 1150.

right now my ventilation plate is level with the bottom of the hull, I want to raise it up a bit maybe 1 inch to an 1 1/2, my shocks a dragging in the water causing alot of spray, the only problem is there is not alot of room above the transom for the clamps.

what's the best way to add material to the top of the transom for the clamps to grab onto.

I don't want to lose this fine motor, right now there's about an inch from the top of the clamp to the top of the transom.

I'm also looking for a little more speed, right now I'm at about 31mph, I've got doelfins on right now that I'm going to try taking off also for more speed. I don't have a tach and I'm running a 3 blade 17p prop

any advice? thanks J

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 72 mercury 1150

I would check to see if the boat is waterlogged and to see if the motor is up to snuff. Even a crank rated 115 should get most 16ft boats into the high 30s, maybe even low 40s. I am assuming you are running an old style uncupped prop. Raising the engine, will require a cupped prop with increased rake or it will ventilate. Raising the ventilation plate above level with the bottom of the is usefull at speeds above 50mph, below that it's not worthwhile.
I hope your engine is bolted to the transom, relying on the two clamp screws is really askinf for trouble.

Does your boat have power trim? If not, see if you can get a used unit. That will be your best way to gain several mph.

How are the shocks draging in the water? that there answered my question about the power trim.

 

[jason1150]

Re: 72 mercury 1150

the boat just sits really low in the water, the transom isn't very tall, I've drilled 2'' holes in the deck, got all the water out so it's not water logged, the motor is bolted to the transom, and I am running a cupped prop, no power trim. J