Initial set up

[VAMaineBasser]

I am wondering what the general consensus is on setting up my new boat for initial pad height.

2012 Triton 18 XS
2011 Mercury 150 Optimax Pro XS
6" Manual Jack plate
Tempest Plus 23 Pitch

Where should I begin with height in relation to the pad? I currently have 8 hours on the motor and I am running with full tournament load, 3/4 tank of gas, live wells empty, 57-58 MPH @ 5400 RPM, WOT with 14 PSI (Not smart craft readings). In the corners my RPMs are not going up or down; however my speed drops to about 50 MPH. I find it a little strange the RPMs remain 5400 in the corners making me think it is set a little low. In talking with Triton they say the 23 pitch is the prop I need.

I am not sure where it is set right now in relation to pad, but I guess it really isn't all that important as I am looking for a starting height. Triton tells me once the motor loosens up the RPMs will come up some.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jentrick]

With 14 PSI don't raise the motor any higher..Not a expert on that boat but Im thinking you don't have much more to gain.The XS boats are heavy making them a good riding boat..I looked at the 18XS the dealer said it is under power with a 150 and very capable of handling a 200.

[AreTheyBiting]

That water pressure is as low as you can safely go
Which surprises me considering the low water pickups
You need to measure the height

You might mention this to your Dealer next time you speak with him

If your motor is already too high you will gain pressure and speed by lowing it
I would start between 2 3/4" & 3" below the pad

[VAMaineBasser]

I am starting to wonder if the water pressure gauge is off a bit. I have raised it 1/4" and also lowered it 1/4" and the water pressure remained the same. I will get out and measure height on Tuesday and let you know where it is at.

I also am wondering if I should invest in a low water pick up, maybe a 21 or 22 pitch prop to raise the RPMs as well.

[jentrick]

I think you'll loose some speed if you go that low of a pitch.

[AreTheyBiting]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by VAMaineBasser &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I also am wondering if I should invest in a low water pick up, maybe a 21 or 22 pitch prop to raise the RPMs as well.</td></tr></table>

Your Optimax already has low water pickups
look at the nose of the foot

You most likely have something wrong either a bad gauge, a blocked line, or something in the engine
I have my engine set at 2 inches below on a 10 inch plate and still have over 25 lbs at WOT (TR21)

[VAMaineBasser]

Well...getting close. I raised the engine 1/2 an inch up to 3.25" below pad and got 5600 RPM and 60.6 MPH with 15 PSI WP (not sure why WP went up, maybe something in the line). Going to come up another 1/4" to try and get 5750 RPM. Thanks for all the advice. Also, I looked at the nose cone and there are no low water pickups. I do have 7 water pickups on each side, believe my last motor (150 EFI) had 5, so maybe the lower 2 on each side are for low water instead of the nose cone?

[Bryanmc57]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by VAMaineBasser &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Also, I looked at the nose cone and there are no low water pickups. </td></tr></table>

First I've heard of a new opti with no pickups in the nose. Has anyone else seen this?

[VAMaineBasser]

Just spoke with Mercury. The 150 Optimax Pro XS has the standard 1.87:1 gear case which does not have to low water pickups on the nose cone.

[AreTheyBiting]

That is a surprise to me as well, however I only slept at the holiday inn

[VAMaineBasser]

The 150 doesn't have the torque gear case; 200 and up.

[gene1094]

Your water pressure will increase with increase in RPM plus a little from increase in speed.

[drfish]

Get your motor broken in first. I think you're maybe just a tad low with your motor. (See the 18x2 thread) Most of us with the reg 150 opti and 18x2 are running right at the ragged edge at 12 psi. Your numbers are where mine is with a regular opti. I'd think you'll easily be a couple mph faster. The 23" Tempest prop is what you want.