Lowering or raising the engine height?

[Chasman]

I know dumb question! But I was wondering if I lower my engine, will that help my boat ride higher out of the water or will it drag more?
I've played with my setup for a year now. I read recently that Stratos 295's like the engine setting at 3.5 below pad. I've been running mine at 2.5. Thats the boat being level and lower unit level. I've been running a tempest this spring. I usually run my renegade, 23p. The tempest is a 23p. I have to high of a roster tail with the tempest at 2.5 below pad at WOT and water psi at 15. I feel I might be over trimmed a little. RPM's at 5600 max. speed 58-59mph.. running a 175 ficht. So what would I see if I lower the engine? oh, I have a 6" jp... Thanks Charley
04 Stratos 295 Pro XL
04 175 ficht Evinrude
23p renegade, 62mph

[basser201]

If your throwing out a rooster tail higher than the motor cawling you are more than likely to high. Try to lower the motor to about 3'' below pad then see what you get. If you feel that you need to move it again try small moves... 1/4'' then 1/8'' untill you find that sweet spot. There are know two of the same boats that will run the same with the same set up. Also keep in mind the higher in prop pitch the lower the RPM's will be, though more top end speed with less hole shot. Also a three blade prop runs faster, four blades handle better, though slower. Getting more cup on the end of your prop blades give you bow lift, in turn less boat in the water and more speed. Putting more Cup on the side of the blade will help raise the back of the boat out of the water giving you less drag.

Scotty G.
04TR21PDC
04 Evinrude 225 DI (plain)
76.4 GPS (full tanks, live wells and all)

[Chasman]

My rooster tail with my renegade is perfect. at the same height, the tempest plus throws the higher rooster tail and runs the same speed if not a few mph slower. Thats why I was asking what happens other than loosing rpms by lowering the engine. Will I have more or less lift. I have had cup added to the tempest to get more boat out of the water. I was told that the tempest would run higher on the jp than the the gade. Its not acting like it will. I will try lowering the engine with the tempest is still on. one last thing, I have both props set to where my water psi is at its lowest psi at wot, 15psi Thanks