Best way to improve performance

[imported_JD__]

Re: Best way to improve performance

BIN FSHN,<br />Call the company(417) 873-4555. Although they don't have the HP/MPH published on site I'm sure they have a MPH chart with different HP engines. They do have it published for their fishing boats and I have owned three of them. Their on-line speed charts were within 1-2 MPH on all three I've owned.<br />Like Suzuki says in promoting their larger engines, "There's no replacement for displacement".<br />You need a bigger engine.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Best way to improve performance

The origional question indicated to me that there was probably some limit to the $$. Therefor I am simply saying that the biggest bang for the buck would be Smart Tabs for less than $200.00. He will get a dramatic improvement in hole shot, ability to tow skiers and tubes ( and stay on plane for the tubers at 15 MPH), improve the ride and gain 2 to 4 mph. He will also increase the RPM from the current level. If there are a few more bucks re-prop and get even more performance at the top end.<br /><br />BillP: <br /><br />We are both dated. My first car had a RCA 45rpm record player in it. Automatic changing too!<br /><br />We are now making Tabs up to 16" x 10" and because of the versatility of the actuator pressures we can adapt them to about anyhting. You are absolutely correct that the more tab the better for towing skiers, as they allow for more flat and linear acceleration. <br /><br />Give me a call I would like to chat. 800-233-0194

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Best way to improve performance

Finally got to borrow some props and test my boat engine combo which is similar to the original post by Bin Fshn. I used to have a Suzuki DT85 on a 17ft semi V hull with a pad. Top speed 1 person 5700rpm- 40mph (GPS). Switched to 115hp Evinrude 60degree V4 mounted on a Bob's Machine Shop jackplate. Tested with 2 different props.<br /><br />Intial run with the 18 pitch 3 blade with the AV plate at 1.75" above pad top speed 5700 rpm 47 mph. Reset jack plate incrementally so AV plate 3.25 inches above pad. Top speed 18pitch 3 blade stainless 5900 rpm - 49mph (GPS avg upwind and downwind).<br /><br />Top speed 20pitch 4 blade stainless 5700 rpm AV plate 3.25 inches above pad- 47mph (GPS avg upwind and downwind).

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Best way to improve performance

Another factor to consider would be the extra cost associated with higher fuel consumption with the larger motor. If my read on consumption is correct, fuel consumption will increase by about 27% from a 90 to a 115. What will this cost over the life of the motor as opposed to a one time layout for new prop/tabs. I am not familiar with pulling a skier but what speed do you water ski at ? 39mph sound fast to me and frightening in a tube

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Best way to improve performance

Back to Bin Fshn's original question. If his boat would originally do 39 with 1 person in it, it won't do 39 with a spotter on board and pulling a slalom skier, more like about 30 mph. Moreover his ability to yank a slalom up on 1 ski is an issue. A larger motor while more thirsty will allow him to carry bikinis as spotters and pull skier(s) out of the water in something less than geologic time and pull a slalom skier or multilple skiers at whatever speed they feel comfortable at. You don't have to use WOT on an inner tube unless you want to remove clothing and bite somebodies tongue off. <br /><br />While I haven't had a skier behind my new combo yet, when I do the motor won't be trimmed up for speed (lose 3mph), I'll add 1 person (lose 2 mph) and a skier (lose 5 mph) which is about 39 mph which is back to my maximum speed before with the old motor with only 1 person. Only now I can jerk people out of the water quicker and if a friend wants to come along I can say yes instead of making them wait on the beach.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Best way to improve performance

My buddy likes to be towed at 36 mph on his ski.<br />On a tube I think I would wet myself at any speed over 28-30mph.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Best way to improve performance

Originally posted by bluewater19:<br />On a tube I think I would wet myself at any speed over 28-30mph.

Well, Ive been following this thread, and this made me LOL. <br /><br />Im suffering a torn rotator cuff due to my wife not knowing any better. (thew me off of a tube at about 40 MPH). She said she was only going 35 MPH, But she failed to take into account that when she flung me around, I was passing the boat. I just went airborn on flat water. Makes my arm hurt just thinking about it. If there would have been a camera on me, You would have seen my eyes wider than you have ever seen. <br /><br />I have Smart tabs on my Bass Boat, and You wouldnt get them away from me on a bet. They will do what John says they will do or he will give your money back.

 

[KM2]

Re: Best way to improve performance

I seriously doubt the boat is rated up to a 150. The current Tahoe Q4 (bigger boat almost 19') is only rated up to 150. <br /><br />A 115 rating sounds seem about right. Would be some serious coin to trade up compared to some tabs and/or props.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Best way to improve performance

jimd;<br /><br />With you hull configuration, the added 30hp gives you a good bang for the buck. Beleive it or not Smart Tabs will give you even better performance, and you will not need to "jerk" the skier up as the acceleration will be much smoother. <br /><br />Smart Tabs do not help with a hole shot - because there will be no hole. Smooth, fast lineir acceleration to plane in half the time. <br /><br />You have fixed the power issue now maximize the hull performance. <br /><br />If you did not want to spend the mega bucks for the re-power and jack plate, Smart Tabs would give the old set up 4 MPH at WOT, and cut the time to plane in half (or better)even with a load for under $200. Hull performance is as important as the power.

 

[BillP]

Re: Best way to improve performance

The way I see this one you can't keep that motor and "get more speed" while being able to "pull a skier" (tubes aren't a problem). Prop up for speed and pulling power will suffer. Prop down for ski pulling power and top speed will suffer. <br /><br />If you want to get the best compromise I'd suggest doing a 4 blade prop that will let the engine rev at max rpm and put on a set of trim tabs. Tabs will help the hole shot big time for skiing. Otherwise get a bigger motor.

 

[prolinews]

Re: Best way to improve performance

This thread is killing me . Back up with smart tabs see how much water comes over the transom . The cheapest fix here is to sell the boat and buy what you want. I have seen guys put merc race motors on rangers only to get beat not as bad as they use to with bullets running 225efi's. The money you can spend is infinite buy what you really want.

 

[backdraft]

Re: Best way to improve performance

These tabs sounded good until prolinews came up with a major flaw especially in rough water trying to dock your boat when all hell has broke loose.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Best way to improve performance

I have no problems backing up! And no wash over the back end either??????? Plus, as an added bonus, when I power down fast I dont have to goose it to keep it from happening anymore either.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Best way to improve performance

Hope BIN FSHN isn't mad about his thread being hijacked but all of these comments are relevant perhaps. Regarding Smart Tabs. I have a couple of questions. They sound like they would be a useful tool especially for getting on a plane and I have and still do consider them an option. And I can believe that they would not slow a boat down. But if you have a boat that needs bow lift and isn't porpoiseing, how would they increase top speed. It seems that they might either lift the stern causing the bow to sink increasing wetted area and slow the top speed or they might do nothing if they were adjusted to back off at speed. This isn't meant to be a criticism just a question on the mechanism for increasing top speed.

 

[down_time_1]

Re: Best way to improve performance

BIN FSHN<br /> I've got a 2001 Q3 ski & fish with a 2004 150efi, with a trophy 4 blade large vent holes. It's seen 59mph with 2 adults full gear and fuel this past fall. Pulled two adukt skiers with 4 more adults in boat and poped us like it was nothing.Pulls 2 tubes like wise. I had a 2000 115 opti on this boat, but had problems with it and Merc and I switched motors and i'm glad i went with the 150efi