Dialed in Optimax

[miksup]

This is for all the people out there running 17 something foot boats and 150 ponies. I believe this is the best you can expect out of a set-up. Crestliner 1750 Sportfish, 150 Opti, Detwiler 6 inch manual plate, Trophy 21. I had low water pressure so didn't want to raise the engine any higher. Had a new water pump kit put in yesterday. Took it out today. Raised motor so that on level ground the ventilation plate is 5 (Yes I said FIVE) inches higher than the bottom of the keel. 5500 revs, 55 MPH, head snapping hole shot, absolutely zero blowout on hard turns at ANY revs, water pressure is a solid 18-19 PSI at full throttle and 11 at 3800-4000 revs. Boat seems to fly. Have about 2 feet of the back of the boat in the water. Oh by the way. I also have hydraulic steering. I firmly believe it is essential for good handling on anything doing 50 plus.

[FJH1]

Sounds awesome Miksup. I've never done this, but sometime when I come off the water I'm going to take a measurement of my cavitation plate in relation to the keel before I drop down my Panther jack lift. Like you, I can fully trim out the engine and then start jacking it up. By the looks of things on the water I bet I'm up a full 5" above the keel as well. I've yet to blow out my prop (Trophy Plus 21p) on the hardest of turns. Thanks for the info.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Glen]

FJH1, What kind of setup (boat) do you have for using a Trophy Plus 21p.? I'am thinking of trying out the same prop for my 18 Lund Fisherman. Did you leave in the vents? Thanks...Glen

Is there any place on line that a guy can get a good deal on these props?

[miksup]

Glen: The place to call is Reynolds Performance Marine. 502-543-6774. Last I checked, they'll ship a Trophy or Tempest to your door for under $400. Remember, like FJH1 and I said, to get this performance, you must have a jackplate to get the lower unit into clean water.

[moreyes]

Howdy MIKSUP,it's been a while,been playing with the boat for a while. If you remember I have tht Mr Pike w/ a F115 yamy. Had just a touch more cup added to my prop, I can now trim it to so just the back 2-2 1/2 feet of my boat is touching the water without blowing out, feels like it floating, turning about 5500 @ 44 mph I think that is about it. I see everyone is a jackplate fan,thinking of a Bobs Machine manuel jackplate that has a 21/2 or 5" setback,it can be either or, I have cable steering so I was thinking of going to the 21/2 s.b. to avoid cable stress, do you think the 2 1/2" would do alot? Going manuel for money reasons only 190.00 for this unit. Thanks for your input, you have your ride dialed in pretty nice.

Thanks for the help,moreyes

[miksup]

Don't know how your keel is configured on that Lund so I don't know how much setback you'd need to get it into clean water. These Crestliners, while nice boats, have this massive 2 1/2 inch wide, 1/2 inch thick solid keel the length of the boat. Really messes up the water, hence the need for more set-back. If price is the only issue, and you want to spend $200, why not the CMC manual plate. It is 5 1/2 inches of setback and they've been around forever and are great units. You consideration then would be the steering cables but my buddy has a CMC and didn't have to change the cables on his Alumacraft. Good luck and let us know. Your numbers look like you are really close to as good as it's gonna get also. They are fun to drive when they're set up right, aren't they? I feel sorry for the people that pay big bucks and then can't/won't spend the time to get all the performance they paid for.

[FJH1]

Sorry Glen I've been swamped today so I haven't looked at the board much. I have a 2000 Lund 1800 Pro V SE with a Merc 175 efi.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Brian/MN]

Mike,
Have you tried it yet in big waves? With it jacked up are you still able to hold the bow down when you need to?

[FJH1]

Moreyes, if your Mr. Pike is the IPS hull design you will have a "pad" of sorts on the back of the hull. It's an area of the back of the hull that flattens out. Once you get the boat dialed in the hull will tend to ride on this "pad". Sounds like it's getting there, or is there with the additional tip cupping on the prop. That little modification really can add to the performance of a prop.

Best Regards,

FJH

[miksup]

No big waves on Lake Havasu this morning. Just a light chop. To be honest, I've had my share of big rollers on Lake Vermillion near Virginia, Mn. and on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake. I'm retired now and I just don't go out when it's that windy or busy with other boat traffic any more. I don't have to. With the chop this morning there was no trouble at all keeping the bow down.

[Brian/MN]

OK, you've got me convinced to try a manual plate out. I was just thinking that there had to be a major downside. I guess if I know it's going to be a rough day I can just crank it down a bit at the ramp.