motor height

[ddaigle]

I have A 16 foot flat bottom aluminum with a 65 johnson. Down here in the laguna madre shallow running is a must. I dont want to cut into the boat to install a tunnel unless i have to. Will more setback let me raise the motor higher? And how much setback is too much? I have a jackplate and pressure guage to work with. Also, what kind of prop will give me the best bite and least ventilation. Im talking about 6 inches of water and less. Maybe some of you racer guys can help me. Thanks

 

[ddaigle]

Re: motor height

bump

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: motor height

I don't think you'll get the 6 inch draft you're looking for with this setup. A jet style lower unit might be better for you, or a jet unit from a PWC. These would give a nice shallow draft.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: motor height

Thanks Brian, but jets dont work down here, too much grass. Everybody down here with a jet has regretted it hugely. Burned motors, clogged jets,stranded, etc. Almost everybody runs tunnel hull boats and with the right setup can get the bottom of the prop even with the bottom of the hull. Unfortunately, my boat has no tunnel so i guess im looking for a miracle cure.

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: motor height

You know there is another option, remember the James Bond movie (not sure of the name) where they run around China with those radical looking drive systems that had a long shaft off the stern, the motor sat similar to an outboard. I've seen these in the US but don't remember where. They look really cool and might just do what you want. Maybe someone knows what they are called.

 

[JB]

Re: motor height

They are called Go Devils, Brian. I believe that Honda offers them in the US.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: motor height

I looked at several of those-go devils, mud bugs etc. and they would work but they are a little pricey for a boat my size and the kids would not be too thrilled about tubing behind one of those. Anyway, my motor was just rebuilt and I dont want to spend a whole lot more money. I can build a tunnel for it but I was trying to avoid cutting up the boat if possible. I know some of the racing-go fast crowd run jackplates with a lot of setback and props with a lot of cup that will run only half submerged, but I may be barking up the wrong tree. I guess Im looking for a temp. solution until I can build the tunnel. Thanks for the help