Newbie mounting height question

[jevery]

My Merc 115 is obviously mounted too low on my new 17’ aluminum fish and ski. There’s a lot of spray back there at speed. The AV plate is about 1-1/8 below the center of the keel (not the center line ridge, but right beside the ridge) when the plate is parallel to the bottom of the boat. The holes on the mount are 3/4“ center to center. If I raise it one hole the AV plate will still be about 3/8” below the line from the hull and if I raise it two holes the plate will be about 3/8” above the line. I’d like to get it right the first time. Would one notch (3/4”), be enough or is that unlikely since 3/4” will still place the AV plate below the line from the hull. Top speed is fine even with the motor so low (45 mph). I’d hate to go two notches and have cavitation issues. Any thoughts from you with experience would be appreciated.

 

[ivar]

Re: Newbie mounting height question

I'd go 2 holes. Which prop do you have? With a decent prop, there shouldn't be any issues with ventilation with that height.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Newbie mounting height question

I'm with ivar up 2 holes.your way to low right now.

 

[jevery]

Re: Newbie mounting height question

Thanks guys, I'll go 2 holes. Prop's a new stainless Solas. Seems a lot more resistant to blowout in hard turns than the Ballistic on my last boat, but then again it's set a lot deeper.