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  1. #1
    Member
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    Jun 2022
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    Gettysburg, PA
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    29

    Prop to pad measurement for an '04 201 Pro XL

    Gentlemen,

    Looking for a good baseline for prop to pad measurement on a 2004 201 Pro XL with a Merc 250 XS. Recently bought the boat and I havent messed with motor height at all yet. Running a 25p Tempest Plus prop and cant really get any more than 60 out of the boat. I feel like the motor is too high because it feels like the boat really struggles to lift and I cant make a sharp turn when im trimmed up because the motor will blow out. Also fairly slow to plane. Not sure of RPM's just yet. the gauge does not work and I have a Mercury Vessel View Mobile on the way so I can get that info. Any help in the meantime would be appreciated!

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    SW, Ohio
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    17,206
    #2
    3.5 a place to start 3.25 where mine was usually
    needs vented so it revs up to 3500-3800 on take off also
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali
    proud dad of an ARMY Captain
    MAGA
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools

  3. Member
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Colonial Heights Virginia
    Posts
    5,104
    #3
    As mentioned 3.25 below pad is good start. I have same boat but a yamaha 250hp OX66 with 10" slidemaster jackplate, 10'power poles and I run a mercury fury 4 blade. I have to adjust my plate as before with lead batteries hole shot was about 5 seconds. With lithiums on plane in 3 seconds. I also like the stability of the 4 blade, lower speed no porpoising and top end no chine walk.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Bartlesville ok
    Posts
    2,666
    #4
    Should get probably 75 out of that rig 72 easily. I have the same but with a 225 and get 70-72. Like others have said 3.25 - 3.5. People say these rigs love a tempest but I'm running a 24 three blade fury. With a 250 you could probably run a 25. My fury runs better than my tempest but not sure how good it was it came with my boat. My hole shot is instant couldn't be better. Don't mean this bad but are you experienced in driving high performance hulls when I first got mine 60 was about all I could get tell I learned how to drive it. I guess what I'm saying to get the last seven or so mph you have to get up on the pad.
    Last edited by Kb444fishing; 06-23-2022 at 04:41 PM.

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2022
    Location
    Gettysburg, PA
    Posts
    29
    #5
    Thanks guys! Set the height to 3.5” below the pad but having other issues. Will not turn more than 5400 RPM with a 25 tempest and is really slow coming out of the hole. Will be posting about that on the Merc page though

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    SW, Ohio
    Posts
    17,206
    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Palomar22 View Post
    Thanks guys! Set the height to 3.5” below the pad but having other issues. Will not turn more than 5400 RPM with a 25 tempest and is really slow coming out of the hole. Will be posting about that on the Merc page though
    sounds like a engine issue
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali
    proud dad of an ARMY Captain
    MAGA
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools