Took out the Ballistic 223 for the first time

[JCClark]

I took the Ballistic 223 out for the first time last weekend, and I am still smiling!

First let me start off by saying I came out of a Ranger Z520 and nothing against Ranger as it was a good boat.

But to say I am a Ballistic fan is an understatement. After the 2 hour break in and some seat time I was able to get it up to 77MPH and it seemed to have a bit more, still getting comfortable and finding the best settings. I am very happy that I made the decision to go Ballistic. This thing rides as good as it looks. To top it off I was able to put the trolling motor down and break it in with a few fish, always nice!

most of us have seen falconpilots driving videos on here and I have to say the one that he is riding in the waves at a pretty good speed is the real deal, it runs through that kind of stuff like nobody’s business.

I am still working on the hole shot as the prop wants to blow out right before break over. I have 2 full and 1 small plug in now and I still need to feather it a little. I may need to plug all the holes to see if that helps it stay hooked up better, we will see.


I am one happy owner!

2020 Ballistic 223
250 Pro XS
BRAVO 1 29p

[jrodgers]

Pictures please.

[JCClark]

Jrodgers
i have pictures on the 3rd page of the picture thread.

[mactlman]

i would expect more speed? was that all she had or still babying it?

[falconpilot]

JC

More time you spend it, more you’ll love it! It’s a awesome fishing machine and ride is second to none IMO...Drop that plate down to 3’ below pad and it’ll help stop the blow out..course your running a TM where I’m running sporty so may be a little different...Congrats on beautiful boat!

[JCClark]

Mactiman

I think it has a bit more, but I am really happy with the over all performance on the first day.

[JCClark]

Falconpilot

Thanks, I will have to experiment with my prop plugs and plate height a bit more.

[Jwolff]

Might need to have the props tweaked to help that blow out. I had the same issues with my Allison but a little tweaking from a knowledgeable prop guy helps a ton.

[JCClark]

Today I plugged all 4 holes with solid plugs and the hole shot improved. It still spools up quickly and gets a little loose before it connects but it feels much better.
i like the way it rolls now, but I do have some concern that I might need a 28 or 27.5 Bravo 1 to get the top end RPMS up a little higher. Right now I am a little over 5,700 RPMS at 77 MPH. I would like to see the RPMS closer to 6,000.
if I dropped down to a 28 or 27.5 I might have hole shot issues.
What are the BBC thoughts ? Leave it or drop it down to ?

[Cajunhunter67]

Dropping to a lower pitch prop should decrease your hole shot time. You may need to drop the JP slightly to stop blow out.
I always go to a smaller pitch prop to get my RPM's where they need to be. If your on the Rev limiter or want a bit more speed you can always have the prop worked.
Its my understanding the TQ band of the new V8 fourstrokes like a smaller wheel.

[tdt91]

I suspect some things will change once the engine is broke in well. Then the real testing should begin.

[Lrrsme]

You might be able to fine tune that prop, I believe a 29 is just a pitched up 28. Get some time in the seat then call Mark Croxtan, he can hook you up.

[mactlman]

You might be able to fine tune that prop, I believe a 29 is just a pitched up 28. Get some time in the seat then call Mark Croxtan, he can hook you up.

definitely this!!!

[JCClark]

i appreciate everyone’s input. I am happy with the overall performance, just was a little concerned that the RPMs were a little low on the top end. I will spend a little more time with it before making any prop changes. Thank you.

[jarhead175]

Personally I like to setup my boats to run within 50-100 rpms of the max rpms for the motor. I would call Mark and do what he says.