Should I lower my jackplate and how?

[bjanzen]

Okay..... so I have had a new to me boat for about two months now. It was stored outside and it has numerous little things wrong. I have been fighting a tach issue for a few weeks and finally moved the pole selector switch on the back of the tach and got it working well.

Now I can start playing with the setup. Now the guy I got it from said it was perfect but I just can't believe him. So many little things were completely wrong and backwards. don't get me started..... anyways it has a 14X23p prop on a long stroke 225 Merc. On Sunday I had it out and at 5500 rpm I was running 55mph per my GPS with maybe 8psi of water pressure. I have been wanting a 26p prop to load the motor more and get some more speed but maybe the prop is too high as well. The scratches on the jackplate look like it has been raised over an 1 1/2 and I think it should be lower. Am I thinking right?

The other problem is this... I went and loosened the four bolts on the sides and then tried to turn the center height adj bolt and it wouldn't move. There seems to be a set screw locking it in place but that wouldn't loosen either. Am I doing this right? Should I drill the set screw out and replace? Suggestions? I have tried some heat and break-free oil ... to no avail,

Barry

 

[stratos21xl]

Give us a little more details. Year make and model of boat and motor, what brand name and offset jack plate. From the amount of water pressure posted, which seems really low, I think an impeller/water pump change would be the first thing I would do.

 

[bjanzen]

The boat is a 96 Skeeter 300XC with a 225 Merc 3.0 EFI. Not sure about the jack plate......

It has a new lower and impeller about a year ago.......

 

[Oldman]

i would mark where it is now then lower it about a half inch to start with.dont sound like enough water pressure to me.see if pressure goes up after you lower it.i am still playing with mine.

 

[bjanzen]

I have already marked it..... thanks though. Seems like the shaft is barely below the pad by two inches...... may get a straight edge and measure it.

 

[stratos21xl]

do you know what gearcase is on it? Sport Master, Torque Mater or Fleet Master? A 23 pitch prop for a 225 doesnt sound right at those RPM's. I had a 225 Promax on a 20 ft Bullet and I was turning a 26 Tempest 6100 RPM's.

 

[bjanzen]

Have no idea what gearcase..... would it be labeled anywhere?

I did take a straight edge off the pad..... top of prop hub is in line with the bottom of the pad. The water inlet is above that of course

 

[jbh3]

Not that familiar with Skeeters, but I'm thinking it's a 300XC is a BIG, heavy hull. If your're turning 5500, you're pretty close on RPM's. Between 5500 and 6000 should be in the ball park for making HP on that engine. IMO, 8 PSI water pressure at WOT is low. You should have 12-15 PSI. Before you start making setup changes, have your motor's health checked by a good Merc tech. That should include water pump and L/U service. Check your fuel lines and bulb for ethanol damage and replace with the new E-resistant products as necessary. Good luck!

 

[Oldman]

call wrechin2 off this forum and talk to him.423-304-0930(james)

 

[2jigs]

Oldman - 6/1/2011 11:10 AM call wrechin2 off this forum and talk to him.423-304-0930(james)

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DITO!!!!</p>

 

[MadBomber]

Oldman - 6/1/2011 12:10 PM call wrechin2 off this forum and talk to him.423-304-0930(james)

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Best advice yet!! I'll bet the previous owner really liked a big roostertail. </p>

 

[bjanzen]

I called James and talked to him. He was very helpful. Really appreciate the advice. Had someone else PM me... he offered to come over and give me a hand..... great guys here! Thanks a lot

Barry