need to raise motor on 175TXW - which hole?

[reelblues]

I recently got a 2016 60 hp 175TXW and have really bad performance. I’m run 3 batteries 1/2 tank or less gas and average gear and can’t get over about 25 mph @ 4800 rpm with stock prop, and it handles mushy. Hole shot takes forever and the bow never really gets down. With two people the performance is worse. My motor is all the way down. I talked to a friend that races boats and he says I need to raise the motor and by looking at some old threads it appears that may help. However, no one had my setup, 60 hp and a little heavy. I’m wondering which hole to move up to. I don’t have a hoist so moving is a pain and I’m wondering i do I should go up 1 or 2 holes? Anyone running similar and what hole are you on?

[jyu87]

If you’re looking for adjustability - get a hydraulic jackplate. Don’t think you need more than a Micro Jacker from TH Marine. If not, most go to the 3rd hole and switch to a 4 blade spitfire.

[alanhore]

What prop is on it now? Raising it to the middle hole will help for sure.

[reelblues]

I had the original 3 blade but just put on a Spitfire 14 p and checked it yesterday. I picked up a little improvement in hole shot and speed but not much. I was hoping that would fix my issue without having to move the motor. I’m thinking of moving from the bottom hole up 2 holes. My lifting eye should be in today so It’s decision time.

[jyu87]

Our of curiosity, how much does a 60hp weigh now a days?

[bassfisher444]

I would mount it in the 2nd hole from the top. Don't put it in the 3rd hole from the top unless you have a 75 hp or larger with a stainless prop.

[Tinman90]

I'm running a pt165 with a 50 hp 2 stroke merc and I run in middle hole. Bottom was just a touch to high. I also run 3 group 31 batteries a heavy 24v TM two big graphs and 360 imaging and more tackle than the boat was designed to handle and I can run 34 comfortably and down loose any noticeable speed with another guy in the boat.

[Weez556]

I was thinking back in 2014 and later most were saying mount motor in second hole for that 60hp and hull.

[reelblues]

So, I’m all the way up to the 4th hole and still can’t get above 4900 - 5000 rpm and 25 - 27 mph. With 2 people about 4400 rpm max and the stern rides really low. My prop to pad is 4 3/4” which I think is too much. I know generally it’s supposed to be in the 3 - 3.5” range but maybe this boat is different? If I had hair, I’d be pulling it out.

[bassfisher444]

No you cannot run it that high on these hulls with that size motor and no jack plate. Even with my 90hp and a jack plate it runs best at around 5" below pad. With no jack plate, a 60hp and an aluminum prop you would want it lower than that.

[FishThe603]

So, I’m all the way up to the 4th hole and still can’t get above 4900 - 5000 rpm and 25 - 27 mph. With 2 people about 4400 rpm max and the stern rides really low. My prop to pad is 4 3/4” which I think is too much. I know generally it’s supposed to be in the 3 - 3.5” range but maybe this boat is different? If I had hair, I’d be pulling it out.

I was reading this and really wishing you success. I have the same boat configuration and basically the same problem. I have a hoist so that wouldn’t be a problem but it doesn’t look like raising it is the solution. Don’t really want to invest in a jack plate but that might be it.

[Crappie Bob]

No you cannot run it that high on these hulls with that size motor and no jack plate. Even with my 90hp and a jack plate it runs best at around 5" below pad. With no jack plate, a 60hp and an aluminum prop you would want it lower than that.

That's where I ended up

And what pitch was your 3 blade prop?

[bassfisher444]

That's where I ended up

And what pitch was your 3 blade prop?

22" pitch Laser 2.

[Crappie Bob]

22" pitch Laser 2.

I replied wrong, I was trying to ask reelblues what his original prop pitch was

[Extremeboating]

Our of curiosity, how much does a 60hp weigh now a days?

247 lbs according to Mercs website, but the plate on a 60HP motor would most likely indicate 252 lbs.

[MikeCSr]

I have a 2020 175 TXW and a 75HP Merc with stock 3 blade prop.. I bought my boat new and it is in the second hole from the mfg.
I am running 2x 31 grp batteries and a 27 and fish with a 6'4" 260 lb friend and I am 220 and mine can cruise at 35-37 with no probs with top end around 40mph (these speeds are from the Hummingbird plotter). I am not sure why a 60 wouldn't get to 35 unless not trimming properly or maybe there is a transducer mounted close to the center causing some sort of ventilation around the prop?

[Extremeboating]

I have a 2020 175 TXW and a 75HP Merc with stock 3 blade prop.. I bought my boat new and it is in the second hole from the mfg.
I am running 2x 31 grp batteries and a 27 and fish with a 6'4" 260 lb friend and I am 220 and mine can cruise at 35-37 with no probs with top end around 40mph (these speeds are from the Hummingbird plotter). I am not sure why a 60 wouldn't get to 35 unless not trimming properly or maybe there is a transducer mounted close to the center causing some sort of ventilation around the prop?

Agreed. With myself (Around 145) my buddy (250 lbs) 3 batteries (1x 24 series and 2x 31 series) and a 12 gallon fuel tank fully filled in the rear along with the 252 lbs of the 60 can top out 38 no problem and that was with some transducer drag in the rear of the transom. That's easily 1775 lbs on my boat plus drag. I haven't done it again but I suspect better now that I corrected the transducer issue. If I can do those speeds then he can easily get up to slightly lower or similar.

[Tinman90]

247 lbs according to Mercs website, but the plate on a 60HP motor would most likely indicate 252 lbs.

The 247 is likely dry weight. No engine oil or gear oil that's where the few pounds difference would come from

[Extremeboating]

The 247 is likely dry weight. No engine oil or gear oil that's where the few pounds difference would come from

Thats a good point. I did not think of that actually.

[JDeeDotGee]

I have a 60 with 3 batteries, tons of tackle and a talon. I raised the motor one hole when I installed the talon. I run a 14 pitch spitfire and get good performance. 35 mph. I'm actually going to try a 15 pitch soon