Best way to increase Top Speed

[rdbassin]

So my rig is a 2007 Tr-186 with a 150 Merc Optimax no jackplate with a Tempest +23"P prop. Top speed with empty livewells it just barely 55mph on the gps. My rpms are around 5000-5300. From reading other posts many guys with the same or similar setup are running about 60. So it appears I'm running slower than average. Now given that my sonar puck drags and slows me just a little bit, are there any suggestions to what I could change to possibly get some more speed on the top end. I figured that changing my prop would be the solution for some more speed. But before I go buy some props I wanted to see what others might suggest. Thanks so much!

[jiggin]

These Tritons like their motors high. Get yourself a 6" jackplate and get that motor jacked up to about 2 3/4" P to P.

[drfish]

You have to get the jack plate. You have the right prop. 6" plate and you'll see 60 when you get those rpm's closer to 5600.

[marshall256]

How much do you weigh?

[MatMagni]

Hi guys ! I have the same problem, but my boat have 6'' plate... 2 light guys, livewell full and all stuff max speedo 55 mph

Triton TR186 2005 mercury optimax 150 2009
6'' idraulic plate - 23 tempest plus
4 batteries, livewell full , 2 light guys, all fishing stuff
max speed 54/55 mph at 5.000 rmp

any suggestions ?!
Tks

[Bob McKenzie]

2003 TR186 Dual Console 3 group 31 batteries, 6" detwiler manual jackplate set at 2 7/8" below pad, motor is a 2003 XR6 and it turns a 24P tempest plus, summer time temps it suffers out of the hole but I still can hit 60, 61 fully loaded a around 5250rpm. November right before I winterize I do a speed test and can usually hit 65mph with empty livewells and 1 person, tach showing around 5400rpm but to tell you the truth I'm paying more attention to driving at that speed. These hulls like the motor as high as possible and fully trimmed out, not only for top speed but for less chine walk. 2003s had less fiberglass than 2008s, seat base was aluminum and the interior finish had more carpet ei.. walls under the consoles so I believe these boat were a little lighter. the majority of your weight should be in the rear compartments.

[Bob McKenzie]

forgot to mention, during speed test I'm usually half a tank of fuel and only half my gear, I spend the fall chasing smallies

[rdbassin]

Thank you for all the suggestions! Looks like I'm in need of a jack plate so I better start saving for that. Thanks again!

[drfish]

If you have any weight at all the motor has to come up. 2004 tr-186. 150xr6. 23”tempest+. I added a 4th battery and talon at the same time and my boat performs better. I don’t have measurement as far as shaft height but I raised and raised until I have 12 psi water pressure at full throttle. Great hole shot. This eliminated all chine walk.