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Hello,
Have a 2004 Champ 203 w 2006 Merc opti 225...26p tempest...Trim Extenders..8" Jack
I cant get more than 62-63mph out of this on many settings...
Have it right now at 3.5" and getting 5150 rpms and 60mph
A little higher i can get 5850 and 62-63 mph
Shouldnt I be able to get high 60s mph or maybe 70???? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif
Modified by txwhitetail at 12:27 PM 5/19/2008
Sounds exactly like a plug wire pulled out.
Did it always run like this or is this something new?
I had the plugs changed about a month ago...mechanic said a couple were fouled...it has idled and ran better since but these numbers are post plugs...Think i should check them again?
Thanks,
JR
Maybe check your hotfoot and make sure it isn't hitting the back of your rod locker before it's getting to full throttle. Or maybe even the throttle cable has slipped. Something is definitely amiss. You should see very close to 70 depending on load.
What is the best way to check the throttle cable? Is there a "regular" setting to start with?
Thanks,
JR
Has it ever run better for you? I had to try 3 26P Tempest Plus props before I got a decent one. One was so bad I could only get 60 GPS. I can get 71.9 now...(with someone who knows how to drive)
Well it ran about the same with the 25...a little less rpms...i switched to this new 26 about a month ago.
JR
*something* ain't right. That 25 should have been at least 200 more rpms, not less.
It's time to be really careful here, the best advice given over the internet at best is a guess without seeing what you've got.
Thanks pat...i guess the 26 is probably the best prop for this setup? Ill just keep tinkering with the jack, etc for now and will probably just take it in again to get checked out.
JR
You need to check the manifold pressure at WOT. That will tell you the where to start.
How do you do that, Chuck??? Thanks...
I know a guy with a 04' 203/225 optin and he sees 72 ish light and high 60's loaded. Not sure the prop. I'll try to find out though http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
Lot's of methods - easiest is to just read the guage on the dash - gosh I love MERCURY SmartCraft! Second best way is on the dyno. If you own a high-performance V6 and your repair facility does not have a dyno - find another one. Third way is to hook a computer to the engine and head down the lake...
I have about the same boat an 05 203 dual console with a Merc 225 EFI turning a 25 Tempest plus at max rpm's of 5600. The best I have seen since I put a gps on it has been 69.4 with one person and all my gear and 1/2 a tank of fuel. Normal for this boat is 67 mph. and the motor's been adjusted a thousand times - it's had 2 dozen different props on it and had some of the best set up guy's in this area try their magic on it and that's all it going to get without major dollars being spent.
I am alost 4 inches prop/pad throwing a tall tail but thats were she runs best.
( doesnt fit what we are told )
The things I am going to share with you are all simple things that may help if you're problem is not mechanical.
This is just my opinion but I don't think the 26 Tempest is the best of props, I would suggest a ( good ) 25 Tempest Plus - that should help.
Next my 203 is very weight sensitive. Move as much weight as you can to back of the boat which you will find hard to do with our lay out. If you put you're 203 on a set of scales you may be surprised about how much these 203's weight. My hull is over 300 lbs more than any brochure list it at.
I have also changed my gear lube to Am sol High performance gear oil, it is lighter than Merc.'s lube with the same protection.
I also have the trim extenders on mine but not convinced that they have helped because once I am fully trimmed out I pick up speed by trimming down but we do know all hulls are different so they may be helping you.
My merc is rough on Plugs so keeping fresh plugs in it is the most productive thing I do at this point.
My hot foot had some play in at one point and I was not getting full throttle at one at stage of trying to get it set up. So definitely check to see you're getting full throttle.
Some may laugh at this one but it its true. I had my 203 detailed and when I got it back I picked up 1.5 mph. The bottom of boat must have been alot dirtier than I thought. This was done off the trailer.
Now if I lighten up my load I can get over into the low 70's but that's not how I fish so I don't bother any more. Now days I want it to run good between 50 and 60 mph so my fuel mileage is better. My days of wanting to run wide open are over and besides its easier on my equipment and will hopefully last longer.
Good Luck
Richard
Just another useless post of mine but I haven't made one in a while so I'm due.