Different Type of Performance Question for Don???

[rpr]

Don: As you may remember, I have a 2007 Triton 215X (high speed walleye rig) with a Merc 250 ProXS. I also have a 5.5 CMC hydraulic jack plate plus a 2" setback plate which is needed to avoid interference with the hydraulic lines (for a total setback of 7.5").

Here's the question (not your typical engine only performance question). My top end speed is a bit disappointing (62 mph) as well as my rough water handling (I belioeve because the setbaqck keeps my bow too high and it has a tendency to crash into waves as opposed to slice through them, even when trimmed down).

I hate to consider this, but the 8 props I've tried haven't helped and the engine seems to be running fine, so what do you think removing the jackplate and setback plate will do for me, if anything?

Should bring the bow down and improve rough water handling but do you think it will improve top end speed any?

[Largemouthlou]

Of all the times I have put set back on a boat, none have ever made the boat worse handling in rough water.. Most of the time it will handle better due to the fact you can pick the motor up higher and need less positive trim to get the bow up..

More set back also keeps the bow down better due to the fact it gives the prop cleaner water for a better bite.. I know mark has worked several props for ya, they should have included adding stern lift to that rig.. Do you have a positive prop shaft to pad measurement? Are you over trimming now??

There is a chance you may need even a little more set back,, remember the further ya set it back the higher you can raise the motor and keep 15# water pressure at wide open throttle

[EuropeanAM]

I also don't think you're going to be happy if you remove the jackplate/setback.

You may also want to look at moving some weight around in the boat. 50-70 lbs moved from the bow (to the stern) can make a BIG difference in handling characteristics!

[rpr]

Already tried moving the weight around. Contrary to what you typically find with most bass boats, my performance improves with more weight up front. That's why I'm thinking having the motor off the stern in the back is just bringing my bow up too high.

This rig does not behave like a bass boat (although it's almost as fast as one). The 9.9 Merc ProKicker hanging off the back (another 100 lbs) I'm sure is also not helping matters.

One of the Triton Pros that fishes exclusively out of the Triton 215X has experimented extensively with this rig and he gave up on using a jackplate on it...he said it actually performs better without one, and he also advised that the lower you can set the motor on the transom the better.

Go figure.

[EuropeanAM]

Question: Does it perhaps handle better with the trim at a LOWER setting as it's currently set up?

I've found a few of this type hull that have unusual transom angles, and actually benefit from a "negative" trim wedge. This gives more "tuck" when necessary, and a little less trim angle (but perhaps a better "bite").

[rpr]

It does have much better bite at lower trim as well as when I have the jackplate set lower (maybe 2" above the transom). At any trim above 3 on the SmartCraft gauge, it has a strong tendency to porpoise. Really tough to dial this one in...

[EuropeanAM]

You might want to look into these as something that won't cost you an "arm and a leg" to try (install between engine and plate):

http://www.boatingstore.com/us....html

[Eagle670]

Rpr , is'it in any way possible take away the extra 2" ??? i add 2" to my 6" Detwiler JP

result was problem with hydrual steering fit , porposing in midrange , and NO more

speed, so i take it away and get my speed back .....

[rpr]

So you lost speed and had increased porpoising when you added a 2" setback plate?