Wedges on a 202

[Bigron119]

OK guys,
I've got a '95 202DC and am trying to get more LIFT. Has any body tried wedges on their 202's? (I tried trim extenders and they worked but was not comfortable with the motor extending outside of the trim motor side rails.)
Could it possibly cause too much strain on the transom?
I believe if I can get my nose up more at WOT then I can get more performance. (Yes I know I need to get all the excess tackle out of the boat and get a Merc. 300 since my boat is rated for a V-6. )

[pmgoffjr]

If you can't get lift in a 202, you've got some issues. 202 really never needed trim extenders, wedges or anything to get it running.

What motor/prop/plate do you have? And what are you getting out of it now?

[Bigron119]

I have never gotten lift from my 202. Previously I had a '95 Yamaha 200 ProV with 4" Jackplate, with a Yamaha 23M or Tempest 23. Never could get the nose up "sufficiently.
Currently, I have a Honda 225 with a hydraulic 6" Jackplate, and a 23 Power Tech Prop. Common sense would think with that weight of a motor the nose would come up at WOT but it is still "weak". I tried Trim Extenders on Both motors and it helped a little bit. I do know that I have ALOT of tackle in the boat but with the trim extenders the weight didn't effect it much. So now I am thinking of going with transom/jackplate wedges before I start going with different props. (Cheaper)
If I can get the boat spray behind the driver's seat I think I can get more RPM's from the lack of boat friction. That is pretty much where the spray is with 1/2 rear tank and full front tank. It will rise up somewhat when the front tank is empty but that is understandable.
So, I was just wondering about the wedges and any other boat performance observations.

[MMosher]

I'm running a '96 202/200 Merc with a 25p Trophy and have plenty of lift. I think you may have to small a pitch prop. Pat would know better than me tho.

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by MMosher &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm running a '96 202/200 Merc with a 25p Trophy and have plenty of lift. I think you may have to small a pitch prop. Pat would know better than me tho.</td></tr></table>

I wonder what the rpms are. It does sound like a too small prop....tho I am not familiar with that motor on a Champ...

[DaveH]

Ron
I have a 96 202 DC mercury 200 efi, motor to transom, P trophy p, original That's my thought on that motor setup
When I re power, I'm going for the mercury PRO or maybe the 225 pro, my home lake is speed restricted to 35 so every time i open it up I risk a ticket, so no need for all the power.owner, I've tried messing with different prop, 25 tempest p, My best all around performance is the trophy. The boat has awesome hole shot, midrange and wide open, 67 mph will run all day. the bow has no problem with lift.
Seems that the 4 stroke Honda might be your issue, when you chose your re power were thinking that u'd get top end out of her, I'd think torque and MPG was a target for that motor.

[Bigron119]

My boat has never been over 63 even with the Yamaha. I won the Honda and when the gas prices went up I could not pass it up, since I fish tournaments. Yes fuel economy was my prime concern since I have NEVER had speed in this boat.
Honda's are "special" because they run large diameter props with low pitch. (I am currently running 5500rpms and want to get to 6200 since that is where Honda's run best. ) BUT even with the Yamaha 200 ProV I was turning 5800 rpms but still not enough lift to get on the pad behind the seat. With the trim extenders it got me more lift and 3mph more (with both motors).
I don't expect to repower the boat anytime soon since I have seen Honda engine printouts with 7500hrs and more.
I can get another prop but I would like to get the lift situation worked on first.

[pmgoffjr]

Well...
Let's review what works and what doesn't, and then figure out how to get that accord to run a little bit..

1. 90% of your performance comes from the prop, until it's right, nothing else will be right.

2. Weight is speed. Might want to re-evaluate what *has* to be toted around every day.

Here's what I would start with, and see where it gets me...

Add some setback if possible, I'd mount your hydraulic to a 6" rapid jack, I think you'd see a good difference there.

I like powertech props fine, but unless you're running a TXP three blade, it won't be my choice for a champ hull. High rake three blade will be your choice for lift and performance. The M yamaha or tempest should be better.

Start there, see where you are.

[Jasonrs]

keep your front tank dry unless you have to have it in there. that helps mine...also, what is your prop to pad number? the best range for my boat is 3"-3 3/4" b.p. depending on the prop i am running. like Pat said the prop is everything, and propshaft height is the second everything My 97 202 is like 2 different boats with a 4 blade compared to a 3 blade....the t-1sends the bow to the moon!!! I also dont carry EVERYTHING i own in the front compartment, and that makes a big difference too. I run a 10" plate on mine with a 225 merc. good luck with her!

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bigron119 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I can get another prop but I would like to get the lift situation worked on first.
</td></tr></table>

If you want the lift situation improved, you need to work with props first! Pat knows these boats...please listen to him for best results...

[MMosher]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

If you want the lift situation improved, you need to work with props first! Pat knows these boats...please listen to him for best results...</td></tr></table>

BINGO

[Bigron119]

I have heard from several other local guys that they have had good luck with 4 blade props. Would a 4 blade "tend" to give more lift? Or would a 3 blade with cup provide more? (I have run a 3 blade 25 tempest but it was nothing special.)
Also, this is a VERY SPECIAL motor. Honda 4 Strokes like to be run VERY HIGH. The standard motor height is not the same for Honda's vs. 2 Strokes. Don't know why but the higher the better with Honda's. The motor setback could be something new to try. I have not considered that.
It might be my next "foray" into changes.
I have already unloaded 50lbs of plastics from the front storage compartments.
Thanks, it gives me some new ideas.

[pmgoffjr]

Well, I don't know diddle-squat about hondas. Nothing....

It really isn't the motor that can run high or not, it's the prop. Prop will usually let go before the motor says quit...*usually*..

Champ hulls for the most part really like high rake 3 blade props, tempest, yamaha M's, T1's, RXS powertechs, all are the deal. Four blades are usually reserved for handling in extremely rough water.

[mixermarkb]

How high is your rooster tail at WFO, full trim?

[Jasonrs]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by mixermarkb &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">How high is your rooster tail at WFO, full trim?</td></tr></table>
i wondered that too....
Pat wont steer ya wrong man, he got my setup dead nuts on from 2,000 miles away!!!!

[Jasonrs]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by pmgoffjr &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Champ hulls for the most part really like high rake 3 blade props, tempest, yamaha M's, T1's, RXS powertechs, all are the deal. Four blades are usually reserved for handling in extremely rough water.</td></tr></table>
i have found this to be true as well, your engine may very well like to run high, but the hull needs a certain amount of prop in the water to get it up and moving.....4 blades lifts the azz, 3 lifts the nose....

[Bigron119]

Rooster tail is approx. 2 1/2 foot tall. Not really tall. I can jack up the jackplate and spray the world though if I want to! LOL
But since I don't have hydraulic steering it creates lots of torque and doesn't make much performance difference.
I can see where the motor height is related to the prop height. Since I am turning a 15 1/4 inch prop that is probably why they need to run high. I tried a smaller diameter standard 2 stroke 25" tempest 3 blade but it blows out because of the high torque on hole shot.
Thanks,
ron

[Lea]

Does the Tempest have the adjustable vent holes? Good suggestions here....I hope you are listening...

[Bigron119]

In case anybody is interested. Wedges are the way to go. They extended my top trim by 5 deg. which is enough to get that extra little bow lift. It added 3 mph to my top end.but it did slow down my hole shot slightly. (Still acceptable!)
All in all for $35 a worthwhile investment. It accomplished what I wanted to do with out spending $$$$$ for a new prop or longer jack plate.
thanks
ron

[MMosher]

Glad you happy with it. Catch a bunch!