185 vs 379

[BuzzB8]

Yamaha are more about water volume. I've read different thoughts on the Yamaha board over the years about PSI.

When I added the 8" setback to my 200 PXL, I discovered that the higher I went, the more volume (and pressure) I had, until it reached 2 5/8" below the pad. It has never been low on water volume and never had the alarm sound.

When I had my 1997 Hydra Sport LS 185 R, with 175 Fast Strike I played with engine height. I had 6 inches of setback and continued raising the engine. A long-time friend rode in it one day and was impressed on the handling and performance. He told me he had never seen a Johnson raised so high.

My point here is that with a B & B prop, 6 or 8 inches of setback, and taking the time to experiment, you can have a decent top end, and a much better handling boat.

[Coach185]

Found this on Yamahaoutboards.com

Here is what Yamaha says in their FAQ about water pressure

What is the minimum water pressure required for my Yamaha outboard(s)?
All Yamaha outboards have a minimum water pressure of eleven (11) psi at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). There are no announced water pressure specs for low or mid-range operation at this time. This is due to our high volume low pressure cooling system design. In fact, you may see zero pressure at idle, as most water pressure sensors start working at 3-psi.

After I drop the motor 1/4" I'll see if i can get closer to the 18lbs

[Coach185]

Humm... PtP is now 3 3/4" and water pressure dropped to 8psi on wot. ???

[BuzzB8]

I'd suggest going up in 1/4" increments to see if pressure increases. That was what worked for me with three different engines, 1985 Pro V 150, 1997 Fast Strike 175, and my current 2003 OX 66 225.

[Coach185]

I am going to go to 3 1/4" and see what happens. I know at 3 1/2" I get 12lbs psi so hopefully I see some improvement in psi

[Les Young]

Robbie Sargent told once when i was setting up my 185 i bought new in 2003 after installing the jackplate to run wot trimmed all the way down & check pressure & then raise plate until i dropped a pound to stop right there when i did. I've actually had my current 18XL with 175 johnson at 2.5 below before , but the holeshot sucked pretty bad, but it handles good though.

[Coach185]

My water pressure kept dropping no matter what ptp I adjusted to. Finally blew out the water pressure tubing and got a slug of snot out of it.
20210707_133731.jpg
Installed new guage and water pressure went back up.
Currently at 3 1/4" PtP and the hole shot is 2-3 seconds, handling/steering is smooth. Water pressure staying at 12lbs as I get close to wot.
Gonna raise the motor another 1/4" and see the results