Optimax 225 with Fury 4 at 3.25 below

[apenland01]

This is really a setup question...

I recently had the jackplate replaced on my boat and for the first time since I have owned the boat, I'm able to raise the motor above 4" below ptp. I inquired about a Razor XL from Mark and he asked about current numbers.

Currently at 3.25 below and I can get 5560 rpm at 65 mph and just over 1/2 trim on my trim gauge. I am getting bow lift, but am paranoid about over trimming my boat, as it has been previously unstable with trim over 1/2.

I don't care about top speed, but want to hit the 5700-5750 rpm range without excessive trim to have maximum engine efficiency. Is it safe to move it up to 3.0 on my Ranger or how do I know when I have raised it too much? I'm hoping raising the engine another 1/4" will get me the last rpm's without trimming above 1/2. Thoughts???

[21XDC]

1/2 trim is not enough for a Ranger or almost any boat for that matter. Trying to reach more rpms at 1/2 trim sounds like a crazy idea to me. Try going up, Maintain safe water pressure. If you dont get the rpms you want, You need to drop down 1 pitch.

[apenland01]

Thanks for the reply. I've been told the older Rangers don't like a lot of trim, so erring on the safe side if raising the engine another 1/4 inch will help get those last 200 rpms.

Part of this is my lack of driving experience in this boat at higher rpm and speeds, as I've never been able to raise the engine like I can now.

[AndrewM-Fishing]

Look at it like this...

Throttle is power, speed is trim.

[caddelma]

My old 488VS had no issues with lots of trim, some props were better than others, but believe I got the best speed around 3/4 or so trim. Not an exact comparison but the 488 and 492 were similar hulls, and I also had a 6 inch jackplate running in the 3-3.5 range.

[apenland01]

My old 488VS had no issues with lots of trim, some props were better than others, but believe I got the best speed around 3/4 or so trim. Not an exact comparison but the 488 and 492 were similar hulls, and I also had a 6 inch jackplate running in the 3-3.5 range.

Thanks! Yes, the 488 and 492 are nearly identical, maybe 6 inches shorter at most. I have a 6" jackplate that I can actually adjust, so I'll try a little more trim this weekend before raising the motor. Water pressure is good at 3.25, so no issues there....