I have a 2011 Nitro Z-7 with a 150 Optimax. For some reason I am only getting 5000 rpms at WOT trimmed out instead of 5700-5800 like it should. Any thoughts?
6 inch manual jack plate, 24p Tempest Plus prop, two talons, hole shot is a little sluggish as well.
52 mph at 5000 rpms, doesn’t seem to get very much bow lift on plane.
Is only getting 5000 RPM's something that just started or is this a new boat you just got?
Well guess you need to check the hull for any hook. An answer to the question above helps.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
I got it back in November of 2019 and has only ran 5000 rpms since I bought it from someone.
Well then you need to first start with the basics...Originally Posted by zprice7
1) First... Assure yourself motor is running properly and that you have no issues with bad fuel, fuel delivery,spark plugs ect. that would cause your motor not to reach maximum RPM's
2) Check throttle cable linkage to verify that linkage is adjusted correctly to reach WOT.
3) You will need to know your current "prop to pad measurement" http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=157208
With this info , the expert set up guys on here will be better able to help you.
Last edited by mxmike; 05-18-2020 at 08:41 AM.
Motors seems to be running fine. Only has 83 hours on it since 2011. Probably could use a set of spark plugs because of the age. Prop to pad measurement is around 3 1/2 to 4 inches.
I checked for a hook in the hull and it appears pretty good. If anything, maybe 1/8 inch gap but doesn’t seem to be bad at all.
Prop is an obvious but overlooked source of poor performance. I have owned a few 150s and 23p prop was always the ticket. I could never turn anything larger with success. Get your prop to pad at exactly 3.5" and borrow a 23p prop then see where you are.
ETA: Do you have a hotfoot by chance?
Last edited by remaly181; 05-18-2020 at 10:35 PM.
This^^^
my z7 was best with a 22 tempest... I had a 23 and a 24 and always the 22 was best.
2019 z18 175 ProXs 4 stroke, DC, 10 Ft Power Pole Blades, Relion lithium batteries, Ghost trolling motor, Lowrance Live's, SS structure, Airmar TM150, Vessel View Link, PowerPole Charge.
Unfortunately I don’t have a hot foot right now.
Were you able to get bow lift with a 22-23p? I don’t seem to get hardly any bow lift. It is running pretty flat. Water pressure gauge is running about 13 psi at 5000 rpms and 52 mph. Need to get it to around 15 and then can move my Jack plate up a notch or two to be able to gain a couple rpms maybe. Don’t feel comfortable moving the motor up with no bow lift and water pressure being 13.
I made this short vid when I was selling last year.
Bow lift was great. top was 59 and it would do that with 1 or 2 anglers. I had duel poles on also ( talons a few months before and no difference)
I can also say if you have 3 tempest props they all pretty much will act different. so if you have abuddy you can exchange props for a run with do it. I have even gotten a prop back from the local prop shop and it no longer lifted the bow and was much slower. Thats why everyone sends there props to guys like Mark. it is like putting 80 dollar tires on your hellcat it just does not work right. ;)
2019 z18 175 ProXs 4 stroke, DC, 10 Ft Power Pole Blades, Relion lithium batteries, Ghost trolling motor, Lowrance Live's, SS structure, Airmar TM150, Vessel View Link, PowerPole Charge.
52 at 5000 is not bad, but you need an extra 600-800 rpms. I doubt that will all be in the prop. Just curious if your not reaching full throttle.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
Somebody with a 150 may be able to correct me but a 24 seems like too much prop for a 150. I run a 24 on a 175 during the summer.
2015 Nitro Z-7 175 Pro XS
I have driven the boat with him, it has zero bow lift. With water in livewells in order to have a acceptable Holeshot passenger has to get on front deck. We'll look at throttle, the plugs were black and full of carbon. New set will be going in soon as they're bought. One thing I did notice, it has a group 24 everstart, 1000ca but low reserve capacity. Running 3 graphs, structure scan, 2 Talon's, and livewells I feel that's alot for that battery. We're going to put my Northstar 31 AGM in to see if there is any difference. From past experience the Opti will not perform correctly of the battery isn't up to par.
I have a 2013 z7 with a 150 pro with a 24 tempest and no JP. It will run 62 GPS @ 5700 rpm with me and the wife and 36 gallons of fuel.
What size PVS plugs do you all run in your 24 tempests on your Z7’s?
What ever the boat came with. Look like large.
Replace the fuel filter, very easy to do on 2 strokes. Run quickleen in all your gas from now on.
Does it run rough at all at idle? Could it be down a cylinder. Power packs do go bad.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
Reply With Quote