Just raised the height of the motor

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Well, we took the invader out to the lake today with the motor anti vent plate level with the bottom of the boat. For several years its been 5 inches below, would still run about 25mph at about 4200 rpm. Well today she ran about 35mph at 4200 rpm. We pushed it hard 1 time and hit about 39 on the gps. To busy driving to pay att to the tach but she wanted to run a lot faster. Ten foot boat at that speed is crazy on a weekend. Hard to believe that raising the motor could make that much of a difference. Now we can cruise at about 20mph with almost half throttle. Fuel consumption went down as well. Now that the invader has power trim should I remove the big wing on the foot of the motor?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Just raised the height of the motor

yes, remove the hydrofoil. With the motor that low before it's amazing you got on plane with the 'foil.​

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: Just raised the height of the motor

Pulled the wing off the foot of the motor. The little invader would not plane at full throttle unless I leaned all the way forward. once the nose dropped she would fly. Even with the little merc 25 tucked in. Also at speed she was bouncing a lot. That wing on the motor sure helps to smooth her out. I have heard smart tabs talked about a lot. Would they be to big for a 10 foot flat bottom speed boat? The cmc pt 35 has moved the motor 6 inches back should the motor be raised higher? In turns at times she would cavitate. I would like to keep the wing off the motor as it looks odd on the little 25. With the smart tabs at slow speeds when beaching what prevents them from breaking off?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Just raised the height of the motor

How flat is the bottom of the boat? Invaders are notorius for losing their shape due to rotted bottom core material. If the bottom is dead-on flat near the back (measured lengthwise) then you should be good. If there is any rocker or hook to it you'll be chasing ghosts all day long trying to get the ride to flatten out. The wing may have masked this (or other) issue, as they often do. If you get a decent stainless wheel with a good cup, you should be able to run the motor even higher.

- Scott