Workin' on lift

[Artie]

Well, I've gotten some lift, finally, from the 180. But if had done this much to my 184 it would point the nose at the stars (oh, wait, it did!).

I'm thinking of putting about 10" of setback on it to help hold the bow up. I know it will help tremendously with the bow lift, but will it destroy the transom? It's solid now.

Pat, did you ever try that?

Artie

[pmgoffjr]

180 is a beouch to setup right...it's very weight sensitive (I'm sure you've already figured that brainiac statement out)

If you've got the steering cables to permit it, go for the plate, can't hurt that thing.

[Artie]

Well, Uflex has hydraulic steering that I have found for $700 complete, and I'm going to install it on the 180. Everything else on it is coming along quite well. I like the deck layout and the extra width, it rides pretty well, and it already runs decent with the 200 EFI. I can get an aftermarket lightweight cowl for $575 that will reduce the engine weight by more than 30 lbs., which should help with the extra setback. I'm sure I can get at least $250 for the stock cowl.

When I'm done with it, I will have less than $5000 in it, and it will look and run great. I already have modern electronics on it. The windshields are new. New carpet and a little touch up on the gelcoat will have the shine going on. It's all paid for, and I won't see myself coming and going every time I go to the lake.

After fishing out of my friends 188VS last weekend, I'm thrilled with the ride, handling and speed of my boat.

I think I'll keep it for a while.

Artie

[pmgoffjr]

Uflex?? Are they a dealer or manufacturer?

If they are a dealer, that price smells like a bay star system which is too small for your setup. Do NOT use it. NO NO NO...stinking bay star unit slung me out of a 186 when it couldn't hold a turn.

200 2.5 cowling isn't that heavy, I don't think it's a great net gain, but if you like the way it looks tear it up. I personally would get a set of 150 decals, that screws up the lemmings way more.

[Bassin Bob71]

That really sounds like a fun project. A 180 was my first Champ and I really liked that boat. Keep us posted when you have her setup

[Artie]

Pat, Uflex is a manufacturer. It's a very good system that is comparable to the Seastar Pro.

Check out lowcostboatingstore.com

The manufacturer also has very good support, as we learned on another install. Plus, if I have a need to replace a hose, I can get it done locally with no problems, which is difficult at best with the Teleflex products.

I already had someone on this forum send me an IM saying they had installed Uflex steering and were very happy with it.

Artie

[Artie]

Ha!

Your comments got me wondering, so I called them again and asked exactly what the Protech1 system is rated for, and they told me it's rated for 300hp and speeds over 70 mph (the same thing Teleflex told me).

Should be a winner.

Artie

[ChampioNman]

Naw Pat Uflex is made in Italy comprable to a seastar pro. Good unit but doesn't have the neam recognition of Teleflex.

[pmgoffjr]

Good deal then, sorry to show my ignorance. I'd still put the 150 decals on it though...

Makes the lemmings go "dayum that's a hard running one fiddy" Instead of "well of course it's fast, it's over powered"