still trying to optimize 690 Tiller

[Reef Hawg]

I posted here quite a bit last year, regarding my new f 90 on my 690T. While my set-up is better than when I started(i am running a Power Tech 16p with transom wedges), I still porpoise a fair amount(trimming down helps but lose about 4 mph going from 37.5 down to about 32). But, and is my main concern, my holeshot is still despicable. I have 2 31 series batteries and my starting battery in back, and if I add 2 guys I can hardly get the boat to plane without both guys heading all the way up front(annoying). That said, by myself, I can hit the rev limitor with this prop. That doesn't bother me a whole lot, as I rarely am out by myself in this rig, and it is often that I have 2 with me. I was wondering if anyone else had any insight on this new 15p vengeance prop. Might be my saving grace...?... hh.. I did try a 15p aluminum prop and it jumped on plane, but hit the limitor at about 30 mph(no good).

Now, I know this rig is underpowered, as is any 18+' glass rig with a 90 in back. But, I would really just like to optimize what I have, and don't feel I have covered all bases yet. My motor is mounted with possibility of raising 2 more holes. I'd like to try a few things before laying down another $300 on a prop that might not be the answer. Does anyone think a hydrofoil stabilizer might be needed for my situation(as much as I hate the looks of them, I might just need to check them out...)? I have always wondered about these things, and have been hearing that they might be just for such an application. I would rather not drill and add trim tabs, so that is out for me. Again, getting on plane is main concern, top end isn't a huge deal to me and if I lost a mph or 2 not the end of the world if I can jump up and go more quickly. Embarrassed to take 2 people along in this rig as it stands.

[budsbud66_w]

Ok, there are still a few things you can do.

First off, the "right" 4 or 5 blade stainless prop is what is going to make the biggest difference. second would be better weight distribution, your porpusing because your front end is light and your back end is heavy. Get those trolling motor batteries mounted some where in the middle to the front. gp 31's are HEAVY. (get an onboard charger, mount the battieres good, and get them out of sight, out of mind.

Another thing that i dont recommend to many people. but has a dendancy to work on over loaded under powered tiller boats is a hydrofoil, (whale tail) agan, they dont work for everyone. and for alot of people they ruin performance, but i think on your setup you would benefit from having a hi-5 + hydro foil.


Smart tabs work mircles too, but you said they are out of the question.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Have you thought about porting your existing prop? I'm no expert on this subject, but as I understand it this is where a propeller with ports could help out, to get the motor up in to it's rpm range easier, and assist with planing. Here is an explanation from Mercury regarding their PVS system: http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,50050,126_50060&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL I'd talk to a quality prop shop, and see what they recommend for your rig. Maybe your existing PowerTech prop could be modified for a lot less than $300.
HRG

[Dan.....]

I run a 690T and often hang a 9.9 fourstroke on the back for trips that I expect to do a significant amount of trolling. I installed the cobra foil and it fixed my problem. http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&i=37025&aID=23A&cID=FROOGLE_37025

Good luck!

[Focker]

I've been in the same "boat" as you. I had a warrior 1890bt with a 90, now have it with a 115. Oddly the newer one has more weight in the back plus a 115, so it needs it to be similar.
Lots of warrior guys (and dealers of warrior) are using nauticus trolling tabs. You can also lock them down to slow trolling speed of your big motor. Planning is significantly quicker. I don't happen to be one of them using the tabs, but a lot of guys do. It gives you another thought besides a hydrofoil.
I'm currently running a 15 powertech rxb4. It planes well. Of note it also planned better than any prop I tried on my 90, even though it came up 500 rpm short WOT. Rough water handling is as good as any. I've also tried a 15 powertech 5 blade. Planned very easily, but overreved easily. The rxb runs AT LEAST 1'' if not 2" taller than it says.
I have a vengeance. It is the fastest top end prop I have. It does not plane well. Others like it.
I have heard goods things about the 4 blade solas with the rbx hub.(most of these 4 and 5 blades will cause gearcase rattle on your four stroke without the new style hubs)
I don't know if your 90 will turn the rxb, it runs like a 17. Our choices aren't great, the tabs may work best for you. I don't like the tabs because I can't bow lift after being on plane and it turns oddly level. Others love em. Good luck

[Reef Hawg]

Guys, thanks so much for the response here. I do apologize for the other post on the thread regarding the porpoising issue the guy is having. I won't repeat myself here, other than to say that I think I might be best off trying the tabs. The more people I talk to(including the regional Ranger rep), the more I think they might help. with that said, I am not sure if I can move my batteries. I am not sure where I would put them to get them out of the way, unless I rebuilt my front platform. That also said, when I fill my gas tank all the way is when I get the most porpoising. I do not know why that is other than just more weight overall(gas tank is up front so one would think it would keep the stern up if full). So.. I might try a cobra fin or tabs, and will mull it over this winter and report back when I decide which way to go. Again, as a Musky fisherman, I don't frequent this board enough to keep up with all of the posts, and often do not search properly, so I apologize for bringing already spent topics to the top of the board.

[Dodge1]

I run a 690T and often hang a 9.9 fourstroke on the back for trips that I expect to do a significant amount of trolling. I installed the cobra foil and it fixed my problem. http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&i=37025&aID=23A&cID=FROOGLE_37025

I’ve owned three boats that poroposed and in each case that problem was cured with The Cobra Edge.

[Brekk]

I’ve owned three boats that poroposed and in each case that problem was cured with The Cobra Edge.

I also had 3 on 3 of my lunds. I now have one on my 2010/175 Opti. It feels like my 2010 has better lift at the mid range for planing. And a lot of them, you can rev a little higher with them. I would try one. It may save you some jing.