Hey all, I just made a big jump in boats and I need a few pointers. I'm not new to boating, I've had jet boats, inboard ski boats, a small Tracker PT 185 and most recently a Champion 186 with a 150.
My new to me boat though is a big jump in performance. Its a 2015 Phoenix 920 Pro XP, 250 Merc, Atlas 10" jack plate, etc. When I test drove the boat I was all over the place with it. Never got above about 56 MPH and that was really all I wanted with how it handled! I will add that the boat was also completely empty. Two decent sized guys in it, but no tackle, very little fuel, and obviously no live well water. I've fished a decent amount from a 921 PHX and I know how capable these boats are and how great the ride is. I'm not all about the speed, I'm really way more interested in a great ride and good handling. I also will be running this boat at about 6000' elevation so I know I'm going to need to change the current 24 Fury to a smaller prop and a 4 blade will probably be my choice for better grip and handling.
So, I realize this new set up is going to take some time and getting used to but I was hoping for some general starting points for it. I know to trim all the way down when starting and I know I'll get the feel for when to trim up, but what's a normal starting point for when to trim up on these boats? Do I just adjust until the rooster tail is about engine height or what handling characteristics should I be looking for with the trim? I know I trimmed to far up when I test drove it and I noticed the steering was very stiff like that.
Where is a good starting place for my jack plate? The guy I bought the boat from said he was told to set it at 12 on the gauge and leave it there. Not much sense in having an adjustable jack plate in my opinion if this is all your doing with it. I'm debating on setting the plate all the way to the bottom to start with and adjust from there or setting it at 3.25" below pad, marking where that is on the gauge and plate, and using that as my starting point. Besides water pressure, what exactly am I looking for when I'm adjusting this though? What effects should I expect when moving up or down?
I appreciate the help and any other tips you all want to share, I'll be all ears!