Better hole shot

[Baja18]

I need to work on my hole shot. It does ok with just me and the wife but if there is just one more adult sitting in the back there is a huge difference, not to mention the kids, coolers, water toys etc. I try to keep most of the weight in the front but I think I want to try a different prop.<br />I have an 18ft baja with a 1987 yamaha excel 225hp. The current prop is a SS quicksilver with a pitch off 26. I also have lowered the motor all the way down on the jack plate.<br />Whatcha think?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Better hole shot

I think we need more info. What are your top RPM's with the average load you want to carry? Lowering the jackplate (depending on the style prop) may well indeed hurt the holeshot.<br /><br />More info please!

 

[Baja18]

Re: Better hole shot

With the motor raised all the way up on the jack plate and trimed out my wot rpm average is between 5500-6000.<br />When I lower the motor I'm only getting about 5000 rpm's.

 

[BKool68]

Re: Better hole shot

I believe the purpose of the jack plate is to get the motor as high in the water without cavitation. Lowering it will increase drag and cause your poor peformance.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Better hole shot

It's not that difficult.<br /><br />When you need traction (ie. pulling skiers or for max. accelleration), lower the prop to ensure it's working in water all the time. When on plane and the speed gets up, raise the motor to minimize the submerged part and reduce drag.<br /><br />Depending on the prop design (surface-breaking (Clever-type) or not) you may even raise so far, that it constantly runs in an air/water mix.<br /><br />Wanna know more? Here http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=014920 is a whole book for you.

 

[HowieDean]

Re: Better hole shot

Define the problem... Is the nose raising too much ?? or is it just slow to get up out of the water ???<br />

<br />Performance wise... wieght in the front is going to hurt you...<br />If it's standing up on you try a Cavitation Plate extender...

<br />This is what we all use on our lightwieght hulls to help get out of the hole with out loosing top end like a Whale Tail or other wing type device that's made for boats that run with more of the lower unit in the water.... Call Bob's machine 800-966-3493 think they are about 40 bucks...<br />Keep the motor as high as you can... wieght as far back as possible... and hall *** <br />

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Better hole shot

Your "up" RPM's sound decent. What style prop are you using? Whats the matter with your holeshot with the plate up?<br /><br />Tell us more about your prop.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Better hole shot

How bad of a hole shot do you have? 18 ft 225hp I can’t see how it could possibly be bad with the rpm’s your turning. Your problem could be the boat itself. Kinda small for all the weight you’re adding. You could go down in pitch but you will have to keep the motor trimmed down. You’re pushing the limits of rpm as is. what's your top speed? It must be up there!!!

 

[Baja18]

Re: Better hole shot

I originally that that I was getting cavitation right when I am trying to plane that is why I lowered the motor. I thought that might help.<br />I did notice the performance droped when I did this so right back up she goes.<br /><br />When the boat raises I seem to lose some forward thrust, however my rpm's are running around 4000 and sometimes goes up to 5500 before I finally plane off. Then I back it back down to 3000 for crusin speed.<br /><br />With a full load and pulling a tube it probably takes me between 8 to 10 seconds to get on plane.<br />I always have my prop lowered all the way when I take off.<br />The nose isn't raising so much I think "MY GOSH". It seems pretty normal.<br />I think will look into that Cavitation Plate though.<br /><br />All I know about the prop is that it is a QuickSilver Stainless Steel prop with a 26" pitch.<br />I am going to check out that link about the prop, sounds like some good info.<br /><br />For the fun info: With just me and the wife I am on plane in 3 seconds max, trimming up the motor and "flying" down the water. I think if it had wings it would fly.<br />As far as top speed goes I'm not sure, the speedo isn't working and I don't have a gps available.<br />The thing I like to do is cruise around 3000-3500 trim the motor up and then hammer the throttle down. It pushes you back into your seat enough that the passengers give ya the all accepting grin. <br />