My lead sled just got slower with new Ultrex. Ranger z21

[lunker56]

I have a 2007 Ranger z21. Just went from 36v Fortrex to 36v Ultrex. Anybody know the weight difference--I cannot find anywhere. Anyway--I lost 2 mph. Anybody else experience this? The z21 is already nose heavy. Guess I dont need lithium batteries as I need some weight in the back to get the nose up:)

[jc2bg]

If I recall correctly, the weight difference is about 13 pounds, and right on the nose of the boat, that can make a difference. These balance issues are often very boat-specific; that is, it might make a noticeable difference on your boat and not on another boat. You could always put heavier batteries in the back.

[wmitch2]

If I recall correctly, the weight difference is about 13 pounds, and right on the nose of the boat, that can make a difference. These balance issues are often very boat-specific; that is, it might make a noticeable difference on your boat and not on another boat. You could always put heavier batteries in the back.

Well DAMN, now I guess I need to go on a diet !!!

[mactlman]

move some weight rearward!! or clean out front boxes some? more lift might help as in 4 blade or worked prop?

[TOUCH OF CLASS]

Not a Ranger but yes ultrex from maxxum I have lost 3 mph and than added big graphs and lost some more .That weight up from is a speed killer.

[dukhntr]

This is interesting. I added 1 blade and an ultrex to my 518 and literally didn't lose ANYTHING....Only difference is that I have to keep a little throttle to keep water from splashing on the back deck because of the power pole bracket causing water to crash over.

[jc2bg]

If you added 13 pounds to the bow and 50 or so pounds to the stern, you probably kept the same balance in the boat. And on many rigs, an additional 60 or so pounds overall won’t significantly hinder performance. On the balance issue, I noticed once or twice when I’ve been fishing solo in my current rig that if I take an extra 60 pounds of tackle in the front compartments that my hole shot becomes instantaneous: bow doesn’t rise more than 3 inches before planing. Those are situations, though, where I’m on a small lake and not concerned at all about top end speed.

[mikesxpress]

Don these Z21's are pretty weight sensitive. Putting 13 more pounds on the bow has to hurt it. I'm curious what a Ghost TM would do to it? That would be like strapping an 11 year old on the bow considering the massive profile.

I only carry a Wal-Mart bag equivalent of tackle in my front box and with the 2 stroke propped correctly it carried the bow just fine. I haven't got to do a run video with this V8 four stroke yet.

[lunker56]

Mike

Thanks for the reply--I missed this somehow.. I am guessing I will just live with it. Between the Ultrex and new electronics I have added some serious weight to the bow. I had good bow lift and could hit 71mph plus before. I may see if I can get some cup in my prop to give a little lift.

Thanks for all your posts--I enjoy them

[lunker56]

Yep--electronics and ultrex--lost 4mph

[calfish1]

go to a 4blade prop drop one size from your 3 blade. i actually gained mph going from a 3 to 4 blade as the the boat lifts more. you can also try dropping the motor down a little if you have a jack plate

[lunker56]

Catfish--I had not thought of 4 blade--that is something to try for sure

[mikesxpress]

Mike

Thanks for the reply--I missed this somehow.. I am guessing I will just live with it. Between the Ultrex and new electronics I have added some serious weight to the bow. I had good bow lift and could hit 71mph plus before. I may see if I can get some cup in my prop to give a little lift.

Thanks for all your posts--I enjoy them

While a 4 blade may be another option, I never found one that didn't kill the top end drastically with the 2 stroke on my Z21. Robbie at Propeller Dynamics should be able to tweek your existing prop to get some of your performance back.

[lunker56]

Thanks Mike--I have a call into Robbie now!

[2500]

Ultrex sets higher and graphs more air also. Weight didn’t help

[lunker56]

quick update--moved tackle to the back of the boat--also got rid of stuff I never used. Crazy--I gained 3mph. IN these nose heavy z21's the weight distribution makes a huge difference