Set up for Renegade 19

[Nettlesk]

I have a 99 Jav Renegade 19 with a 175 Rude Ficht. This is my first serious bassboat and have a few questions about the setup and parts. I'm not sure what size the prop is to start with. It is the original prop that came with the boat. The only marking that can be found on the prop are these words Renegade Bass. It is a 4 blade prop.

Does anyone know what size this prop is?

I am also needing some info on the proper motor height. There is a 6" jackplate on the boat and since I am new to this I am unsure what the correct height should be for the motor. Currently I am running at 62 mph (GPS) with a half tank, empty livewells, 2 people, 20 psi at 5600 rpm. I am thinking that I should be getting more out of her but am not sure where to start with the motor height. I know how to measure the motor height below the pad but have not done that yet.

What would be the best height for the boat/motor combo that I have, or a least a good place to start to help me find the sweet spot?

Thanks for the help.


Modified by Nettlesk at 5:16 AM 4/19/2006

[Kbass]

First, welcome to the BBC. I can't help much with motor height, I am not running a plate. I am running in the 3rd hole on my 150 on the same boat, not sure what that measures. I was running a 24 Raker prop and changed to a 24 Tempest (Merc prop with the hub kit) and it made a huge change in my top end. I can get 68 @ 5500RPM, full trim, 1/2 tank fuel, livewells empty, full gear and 2 people.

Kbass

[Nettlesk]

Thanks for the info. Once I get it up to 5600RPM's she is really difficult to steer. I'm sure this has something to do with the motor height and trim setting. I'm going to try and set her at 2.5" below the pad and see what that gets me.

[Jason Phillips]

Before you get too crazy raising the motor straight to 2 1/2" below the pad, you need to take a measurement to see where you are. If you are at 3 1/2" below, you don't need to raise it a full inch to begin with. The biggest thing to watch is water pressure. Small increments can make a huge difference in handling and performance, but can also cause major trouble if you raise it too much and don't have enough water pressure.

My opinion is that you will need to be around 3" to 3 1/4" below the pad. Try to get a 25 Tempest prop to try on the boat. The 5600 rpms are not off from where you need to be.

If you take the nuts/washers off and remove the prop, there should be numbers stamped onto the back end (maybe something like 13 1/2 x 25). The 2nd number will be your pitch for the prop. The Renegade you have will either be a 23 or 25.

[Nettlesk]

Appreciate the info. I'll measure and see where it is now and place it at 3 1/4" below the pad. While I'm there I'll check the pitch of the prop. Once I have more info I'll let you know what happens.

[Jason Phillips]

Sounds good.

[Nettlesk]

I took by boys fishing Friday and my water pressure gauge is not working . When I returned home I flushed the motor and placed the prop at 3 1/4" below the pad. I also changed the lower unit oil. I am going to check the wiring with my volt meter and the gauge to see what is wrong. I found the pitch of the prop and it is 13 1/2 X 25. Once I get the water PSI gauge fixed I am going to run it and see where it is.

[Jason Phillips]

You will definitely want to get that guage fixed before you do too much experimenting.

A 25 pitch prop is going to be about where you will need to be with that rig, but you may find that a 25 Tempest might perform better than the Renegade.

[Nettlesk]

Got the water pressure gauge fixed. Took it out on the water and got her up to 61 MPH @ 5000 RPM. Started to chine walk bad if I pushed her past 5000 RPM's. Water pressure was at 20 psi. She is at 3 1/4" below the pad. Should I raise the motor or lower it to help with the chine walk. I'm thinking that I should raise it to 3" below the pad. What do you think? I'm not sure when I will be able to take her out again. I'm in the military and my schedule is kinda hectic. Thanks

[Jason Phillips]

I would do just as you said. Raise it up another 1/4". Watch the water pressure. Keep it above 15 at WOT and you'll be fine. You'll know it when you get it in the sweet spot. It will run and handle great. Do not expect every little bit of chine to disappear. You will be surprised how much will go away when you get more seat time.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

[Nettlesk]

Raised the motor another 1/4". It is now three inches below the pad. Took it out on the water on Friday and to see where I'm at. The chine walk was a better but I still have yet to get here to max RPM's. I was able to get here up to 5200 RPM's, driver, 3/4 tank of fuel, 20 PSI. It ran at 63.9 MPH. I'm going to raise her up another 1/4 " and take her out on Monday. I'll see where I'm at and let you know.