New to me champ setup

[double a ron]

Okay guys, so i just bought a 2000 203 with a 225 optimax on it. So far the best speed i could get was 61 on gps. I am running a 25 pitch tempest, 5200 rpm 10 inch jackplate 4 inches below pad. I was hoping for close to 70 out of this rig. Any advice?

[jcfd129]

Many great people will be here soon to help but I would say you too low with the motor. You need more Rpms around 5800 on that motor I believe and that will get your speed up where it needs to be. Mr Goff will be by shortly to get ya headed in the right direction!!! good luck and congrats on the new rig

[Hillsreels]

Sounds way too low. My friends 1998 203 is set at 2.00 below pad,,runs low 70's,,,, he has a eight inch jack. After that you can adjust in 1/4 inch increments. Pat will know the exact set up for you,,, Congrats that is a great boat,,, I'd guess 1.75 would be you best set up, but I am not an expert.
203 pimp

[pmgoffjr]

When you begin the task of unraveling someone else's work, it sometimes is like sorting a pile of cats.

Find a point zero, and work from there, before you get lost, make sure and write everything down as you change.

1. Make DANG sure the motor is right first. If you have access to a dyno, or test tank with test props, check everything, if it's not right, nothing else matters.

2. Review previous owners add ons, transducers hanging off the back, poorly installed ladders, you'd be amazed at what's out there.

3. Always tweak with a full load.

I'd see if you could beg/borrow some other props, 25 tempest would be my first choice, but that doesn't mean yours isn't a turd.

10" plate should be set at 3 1/2" easily, might go higher, that will depend on results. If you can't be all over the rev limiter at 72ish, then something isn't what it appears.

[mixermarkb]

Just wondering, what elevation above sea level were you at on your test run? How hot was it?

Both of those can effect top end speed... Not sure to what degree tho. One other dumb guy thing to check is if you have a hotfoot, make sure it is adjusted properly and really opening the throttle all the way. And listen to pat goff!

[double a ron]

Sorry guys i lied its a 25 pitch trophy. Just raised the motor to 3inches below pad ill report back this afternoon.

[Lea]

As a general rule of thumb, a trophy should be one pitch lower than a Tempest. Since Pat has recommended the 25p Tempest Plus, if you run a trophy, it should be a 24. Sounds like the prop is too big to spin up to desired rpms...

[brandonb]

I have a 2000 203 with a 225 Opti, if I remember right I'm at 3 1/8" below pad, 25 Tempest Plus ( worked by Mark), my top speed is 70.3, full tourny load I can usually run 67 to 68 or so GPS.

[Hillsreels]

See Pat knows,,,my 26 Trophy ran like a slugish pig and slowerd my rpm down over 300 rpm. My old 25 Tempest (tweeked) get a better top end but the hole shot is weak. The New Tepempest Plus ( STOCK) seems to be my best set at 2.75-3". Not a speed "freak" once I saw 72 I smiled. I am still learning how to tweek the Hydrojack plate.
You will have fun getting you new Baby tuned in and you'll love the 203 ,what a great ride,,,CONGRATS,,,,,have fun

[double a ron]

Thanks for all the replies. So i ran it this afternoon after raising the motor to 3 inches above pad and i saw 65.4 on gps, also it was spinning at 5600. So i guess my next question is how do you know when youve raised it too much? I was still running about 18 psi on the water gauge.

[getfished]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by double a ron &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for all the replies. So i ran it this afternoon after raising the motor to 3 inches above pad and i saw 65.4 on gps, also it was spinning at 5600. So i guess my next question is how do you know when youve raised it too much? I was still running about 18 psi on the water gauge. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I think there usually are 3 indicators

RPM too high
Rooster tail too high
Water pressure loss

[mixermarkb]

Propshaft 3" below pad, right???

[pmgoffjr]

Chunk the trophy, get a tempest. Then get some trim extenders.

Then you'll find potential.

[Bassin Bob71]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by pmgoffjr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When you begin the task of unraveling someone else's work, it sometimes is like sorting a pile of cats.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Can't say I've tried to sort a pile of cats Man, you crack me up :thumbup :

[Lea]

I hope you mean prop shaft is 3" below pad!!!

As said above, water pressure and rpms are a clue...also, watch rooster tail. Should be no higher than the motor cowling!