ugly set up

Al is familiar with my boat and how it's set up. I'm hoping to get a new prop before the fall but really don't know which way to go. I currently run a predator (I think it is anyway) that has a 25P. It doesn't lift the bow up and runs 5300 and tops at 58 (gps). This is while I'm alone. With 2 people it drops to 53 at 5000. Holeshot adequate enough. With full livewells it is painfull and sounds like it's bogging down.
Al let me test his Trophy 26P(worked) and I was at 65 but turning 6000. I think more time and a little more tweaking it would have gotten more speed. I only did 2 passes with it. Bow lift was there but I didn't think to try it with 2 people. Holeshot was so much better.

I have a 95 209 w/ a merc 200XRi. My motor sits really low in the water (almost 4 inches below pad) and I can't raise it any higher. The water pressure reads out anywhere from 14 to 18. I have plans to get a hydraulic lift over the winter along with new seat covers but that is another topic for a later date.
Alright guys... Which way do you think I should go? I've been checking the prop board and there have been a few posted lately and I hope to pick one of them up in the next couple of weeks.

Your Predator is obviously not a 25p, it may be stamped 25, but if you turned Al's 26 Trophy 700 more rpm something's wrong. I noticed you mentioned that Al's prop is worked so even if the pitch was reduced by 2", you still have too much of a difference. I recomend you send it in.


1st thing to do however, is to raise your motor! You said you couldn't raise it any higher, and being 4" below the pad just doesn't add up. What holes on the motors' transom bracket are currently being used?
Having a 1995 209, I assume you have one of the silver 6" aluminum jackplates?

Don't worry, there is a lot of knowledge on this board and we will help you fix your setup!!


Modified by 1FastGambler at 12:04 PM 8/5/2007

No, the 26 that he tried is a 26. That's why we couldn't figure out the big difference; obviously his prop isn't a 25.

sounds like you got several problems...i dont understand how the motor is only running that low of a water pressure set at 4 inches below...are you sure you have the measurements right???sounds like als trophy wasnt far off where you need to be...the 209 really runs good with the tempest...but they have to be worked to have a good hole shot,along with the good top end..you should be running 20 to 25 on water pressure at that height..and you should be running in the low to mid 70 range with the 200...are you using a gps???and how much setback is on the boat????
LD

It is an 8 inch setback and the motor is raised up as high as it will go on the jackplate. I agree the predator has to go. I'll save it as a backup or something. I no now that I need a prop and I should get one before I fool with the set up. Should I get the 25 and find it's not enough or do I get a 26 and hope it's not too much?

i would go with the 25 on your rig...that motor will turn the 26 on an intimidator...but if you load the 209...i dont think it will turn it...you need to stay close to 6000 with that motor...my choice would be a worked tempest...in 25... if its wrong you can go either way....up or down...
LD

My 94-209 had a 200 EFI Marina with a 26 trophy on it & it would fly.I don"t remember the set up,it had a standard jackplate,but it would turn close to 6000 rpm"s.When I got the 96-209 with the 225 EFI,torque master LU with 1:62 gears,Same type jackplate & setup & same rtrophy prop.It would turn 5950 rpm"s.The Lu went bad when it was 8 years old & I had to replace it & my dealer said he could only get it with 1:75 gears.It was quiker out of the hole,but slower on top end.

i have a 95 209 with a 200efi. i have run both props you said. the 25 tempest and the 26 trophy. the trophy was best for me. turned almost the same rpms. my motor was not stock but very close. unless you have a 25 in mid motor and have the stock jack you should be able to raise it enough. i will look at mine ,but it should be mounted on the second hole down on the motor itself. when running trim it all the way up for top speed. good luck.

im running the 26 trophy plus on mine with great results but i would say on yours go with the 25 trophy plus http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif .....good luck! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif

as far as your motor being too low- the jackplate on mine has about 4" welded to extend the top, the manufacturer says they didn't do it, and Maritec says it came that way, either way a machine did the welds- I've seen some talented TIG,MIG and stic guys but these welds are too perfect to be done by hand.....here is a picture...........

http://hoppytoad.homestead.com/files/jackplate.jpg

keep in mind the picture was taken before I replaced the slides and bushings and cleaned it up a whole lot..... http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

I'm going to have a buddy of mine make me new sides for it someday in his machine shop because I'm not happy about the wear in the slide holes from poor maintenance- but it works fine now

I'll be gone for a couple of days. When I get back, I'll take a couple of pictures of it and use a tape measure so you can see the set up and get a better understanding of it.