Thread: 201 speed issue

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  1. #1
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    201 speed issue

    Hi guys. I have a 2003 201pxl with a mercury 250xb. Running a 26 trophy 4 blade prop. Boat has always ran between 68 and 72 mph depending on my load.

    Now I added a 8 ft talon, a 4th battery and a 36 volt trolling motor and I added a new to me used lower unit.

    Believe it or not with all of the new items added I can not get out of the hole. So for the time I moved one of the batteries to the front storage bin to help me get on plane until I figure this out.

    But it gets even worse now fully loaded I can only hit 60mph. So I decided to take all the batteries out of the boat except for the starting battery. Only got me an additional 2mph. I.did notice that the talon is dragging some water. But I have a tilt bracket so I ran it with it stowed on the deck and still could only get 62mph.

    Not really sure what my next step should be. I.am turning 6000 rpm and compression. Is good on al cylinders. Any idea on what I could do to help me out.

    Any and all advice is appreciated.
    Justin Hrach

  2. Member
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    #2
    the entire talon bracket needs to be as high as possible. the talon also needs to be up as high as possible in the bracket. mine have about 2 inches sticking out at the bottom of the bracket.

    does the new to you lower unit have a different gear ratio?
    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
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    #3
    I just double checked the gear case and it is the same. I even have videos of the boat doing 70mph with the new lower. So I guess that can not be it. I will double check my talon and bracket.
    Justin Hrach

  4. Member
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    #4
    Makes me feel pretty good. My '96 201 with a 150 has been 59.6.
    1996 Stratos 201 pro xl
    1996 Johnson Faststrike J150GLEDB

  5. Member
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Ranger115hp View Post
    I just double checked the gear case and it is the same. I even have videos of the boat doing 70mph with the new lower. So I guess that can not be it. I will double check my talon and bracket.

    on a gps or speedo?
    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

  6. Member
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    #6
    GPS speed
    Justin Hrach

  7. Member
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    #7
    If the you are turning 6000rpm and know the lower unit is good and has correct gear ratio and you are only running 60, your prop is messed up.
    Try a diff one or send that one to a good prop shop.

  8. Member
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    #8
    Ran a 24 trophy last weekend. 5950 rpm,s 68 mph. Going to play around with it again 2morrow.
    Justin Hrach

  9. Member Finlander's Avatar
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    #9
    How old is your Trophy? Merc props are thin and lose pitch and cup over time. Might just need a tune up?
    2012 Ranger Z519 Comanche - Merc. 225 Pro XS - 24 Razor 4 XL/25 Tempest Plus

  10. Member
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    #10
    borrow a 25p bravo 1 and try it if possible
    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