FICHT Prop

[revismi]

I have a 1999 90hp Ficht that has just been rigged and have a question about the prop. This is a replacement motor for the orginal 90hp johnson ( which blew twice). The dealership has rigged this boat with a 13.5/22 Raker SS prop and I have trouble now getting out of the hole especially loaded with two people and a little wind. THe boat is a Stratos 268V and I have taken it back once already, but they lowered the whole motor one notch. It seems to do "ok" with just me. Does this size prop souund right? With me on a calm day it runs about 5300 RPM's and 49MPH. <br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[JB]

Re: FICHT Prop

I think you are overpropped, Stratman.<br /><br />Lowering the engine sounds strange, unless you were getting ventilation. I would be more inclined to raise it, or to ensure that the AV plate is even with, to 1" above the keel.<br /><br />I would try a 20" or 21" prop, and reset the engine to above spec.<br /><br />I am going to move this to General Outboard, as it is a question that fits any brand outboard.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: FICHT Prop

And before they lowered the engine, what were the RPM's? same, Higher? As JB asked, what was the reason they lowered the engine? You should hit 5800 RPM's with the proper engine height and prop..

 

[Dhadley]

Re: FICHT Prop

Lowering the motor lowers the rpm and therefore lowers the performance across the board. The Rakers like a high X dimension. You didn't mention if you have a jackplate or not but it would be unusual to get a Raker mounted too high without one.<br /><br />A 22 does sound a little steep to me too. What prop was on the crossflow?

 

[revismi]

Re: FICHT Prop

Thanks for all the comments. The first problem ( reason I took it back) was the RPM's was going over 6000 and the prop was not "hooking up" all the time. Most of the time it would just spray a huge rooster tail with top end being really bad until it hooked up. Now my problem is getting out of the hole with two people and gear. I do not have a jack plate and the reason the dealership gave for not using the aluminum prop from the old motor is they said it was too many RPM's. I did not pay extra for the Raker. I am concerned the rigging is still wrong or the prop size is wrong?<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[JB]

Re: FICHT Prop

Yeah. Now lowering the engine makes sense. You were ventilating.<br /><br />I still think you need less pitch. Get your rpm up to 5600-5800 with normal load and don't use full throttle when you are light.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: FICHT Prop

See if ya can get the dealer to trade you for a 20" pitch prop. That will get you to around 5700 RPM's+-. Your hole shot will improve greatly and also keep your motor from lugging. Top speed may or may not improve, but you've got almost 50MPH now and that ain't bad!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: FICHT Prop

Cool! A free Raker. <br /><br />Something still doesnt add up. When the motor was higher, did you start with the motor trimmed in and then trim out after you were on plane? Or did you start with the motor trimmed out slightly?<br /><br />You will have more trim range, both negative and positive, with this motor compared to your old crossflow. If, with the motor higher you just simply trimmed until it wouldnt go any further, then yes it may vent and then hook up only as you slowed down.

 

[revismi]

Re: FICHT Prop

Dhadley, <br />You are right about the trim. I was used to starting off with the old crossfire moter about half trim with no problem, but I have had to learn to start almost all the trimmed down with this one and raise it after plane off. I think I will ask the dealer to trade out to a 20 pitch prpo to get my RPM back up.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone,

 

[revismi]

Re: FICHT Prop

Hello Again,<br />I am still having problems with my holeshot(being terrible) with two people in the boat. The dealer would not trade me a 20' raker for my 22" and the 90 warranty has expired. I was curious if one of those hydrofoil stabilizers would help me wih the holeshot? The motor is 1999 90hp FICHT on a 268v Stratos running 49 mph @5400 ( with 1 person no gear)

 

[Dhadley]

Re: FICHT Prop

A terrible holeshot would be expected with only 5400 as top rpm. I'm guessing that you dont have a jackplate and Im guessing the Raker has been rebuilt at some point before you got it. By your description it acts more like an SST than a Raker. Not uncommon if its been rebuilt and the shop did not have the Raker pitch blocks or the diameter has been reduced.<br /><br />At this point, I would put the motor back where it was when it turned 6000 but the prop didnt hook up. At that point I would look at new props. Especially the new line of Turbo's they just introduced at the Miami show.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[revismi]

Re: FICHT Prop

Thanks for the reply, just one more question. If I reset the motor where it was when it turned 6000k plus, do you think I should add a jackplate? I was thinking if I had a jackplate, most of these adjustments could be made by me. I am not really sure if the advantages of having a jackplate on this small motor would offset the cost? I am thinking 200.00?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: FICHT Prop

Ummmm.....for the moment I would reset the motor where it was so if we test other props we are making one change at a time. 200.00 is about right for a real good Bobs manual plate. I would definately keep that in mind but lets hold off for now.