Method To Measuring The Prop To Pad (with pictures)

From top to bottom.

1. Leveling the boat using a level on the pad.
2. Measuring the distance from the pad to a level concrete floor.
3. Leveling the engine. (Use the trim button and move the engine, not the boat)
4. Measuring the distance from the center of the prop shaft to the floor. Now just subtract the prop shaft measurement from the pad measurement. For my set-up, the prop is 2.75" below the pad.
5. This picture shows that on my boat, I can still raise the engine .75" on the jackplate by removing the mounting bolts and raising the engine on the plate.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5...D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5...D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5...D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5...D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5...D720/ry%3D480/

Thanks Buzz, thats the best illustration I've seen for measuring the prop to pad.

Kbass Rengade 19

does the pad on the boat have to be level. and also should the prop and pad be the same measurement to get the best performce

Thanks Buzz.

Level concrete, level pad, and level engine will get you the most accurate measurement. Most modern setups will like to have the prop shaft a little below the pad. For the two props I run, my boat does better at 2.5" below the pad.

buzz that was my pappaws nickname thanks for the info http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/smile.gif

just what i wanted to know thanks guys http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/smile.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

great play by play on how to do it...thanks


Modified by Dover at 7:44 AM 1/5/2007

He is talking about the center of the prop shaft below the pad of the boat. Just thought i would throw that in, very good job of going over that Buzz. Rodney

Saving...Great illustration!

Great pics and explanation! Thanks.

I have a 285 Pro XL and and ETEC 150. How do I know what prop to pad measurement should be?

No two boats, engines, and props will be exactly the same. It's widely accepted to start around 3.5" below the pad. Make a run and keep good notes on your RPM's, top speed, and water pressure. Put it on the trailer and raise the engine .25" and make another run. Make and compare notes between the two runs. If your speed is increasing, continue to raise the engine .25" at a time and test.

When you get to where the RPM's are above the accepted max range, the water pressure is too low, or your speed isn't as high as the last run, lower it to the previous setting and lock it in. Basically, that's about all there is.

thanks man.

No two boats, engines, and props will be exactly the same. It's widely accepted to start around 3.5" below the pad. Make a run and keep good notes on your RPM's, top speed, and water pressure. Put it on the trailer and raise the engine .25" and make another run. Make and compare notes between the two runs. If your speed is increasing, continue to raise the engine .25" at a time and test.
When you get to where the RPM's are above the accepted max range, the water pressure is too low, or your speed isn't as high as the last run, lower it to the previous setting and lock it in. Basically, that's about all there is.


+1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hollywood82 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No two boats, engines, and props will be exactly the same. It's widely accepted to start around 3.5" below the pad. Make a run and keep good notes on your RPM's, top speed, and water pressure. Put it on the trailer and raise the engine .25" and make another run. Make and compare notes between the two runs. If your speed is increasing, continue to raise the engine .25" at a time and test.
When you get to where the RPM's are above the accepted max range, the water pressure is too low, or your speed isn't as high as the last run, lower it to the previous setting and lock it in. Basically, that's about all there is.


+1</TD></TR></TABLE>

I thought this looked like something I had read on here before...duh! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif

You're measuring to the center of the shaft right?

Never mind I got it.

Thanks - best explanation i've seen yet !

Thanks. I think the pictures help explain what I was doing.