I own a 1988 Skeeter Starfire 175sx with a 150 Merc Blackmax. I have a problem getting this boat over 49-50mph just wont do it, I'm running a 23pitch tempest plus and its three inches below pad. We have tried different props, raising motor and still nothing anyone ideas oh and compression on the boat is great .
That does not sound like the right prop for your set-up. What are your RPM'S at WOT?
I have the 89 version of your boat with an XR6 Merc.
I run either of two 23" Trophy props, an A45 and an a A40. They run within 2 mph of each other but the A40 does blow out a bit just before nosing over. These props will turn 6000 rpms. The engine is set at 3 1/2".
GPS is at 57 mph.
My only problem is I need to get the nose out of the water when my partner and his gear are on board.
That does not sound very fast for 175hp I have a 150 on my zx190 and can run 60-61.
I guess I can't read very well, sorry about that.
I have an 89' SF 175 DF with GT 150. Runs mid 59 GPS fully loaded with two people. I run a 4 blade at about 5,600 rpm. Not sure on prop size.
hey send me a IM i got the same set up but mines a 200 see if we can figure somthing out since were right down the road
Just a thought and one you may not want to hear.
I've replaced transom and stringers in three 89-91 Skeeters last year.
Two were used their whole life.
One "looked" like new and they guy swore it hadn't been on the water 5 times a year and staying in a garage the rest of the time. (it was in the worst shape).
The other two had very little transom flex, but, all three were water logged worse than any boats I'd ever had apart. Didn't know that until the floor was removed though...just suspected it, and confirmed when torn apart.
None of the owners cared about speed or even payed attention to it.
ALL three of them came back within a week or two complaining about "wiggling/squirliness" in their words. (correct words: chine walk).
Apparently all three boats were now "scary fast" as well.
Scum line comparison showed em all floating almost 3" higher in the water as well.
Clean out the bilge area and poke and prod around, make sure the wood is not saturated and wet back there.
I think the new secret color is "A-Rig"..........
First off are those gps speeds or the speedo on the dash?
Second, that boat is only a 62-63mph(gps) boat(loaded and no jackplate) with a 175 on it. My 89DF does about 64-65 w/jackplate.
If these speed are with the dash speedo it could be reading wrong.
It also could be water logged.
Larry Fitzgerald
2024 Tracker V-175 /115 Merc
2021 Silverado/ 4 Banger
True story about the transom. Had mine for 5 years bought it cherry. Now the transom is shot and the boat is still in perfect shape. Took it to a fibergalss shop and they took some core samples. Not good at all. Looking to offload the Motor or the whole package for someone looking to rebuild it. I am looking to upgrade to something newer.
I have a 89 sf150sx with a xr4 150hp - Rev limiter is 5,500rpm - I have a newer large hub lower unit and run a 24 tempest plus and 6inch jackplate 3 1/4 below pad at 62 gps - 66gps very light load.
you should probably check what your rev limiter is by going to the merc. mechanic board. those guy will tell you whats up then check the props board they will dial you all the way in.
Yup dem old Skeeters can go to crap, fo sho
You forgot to take the cap off. Its the only real way to be sure.
I did mine 4 years ago and it turned out great. Would I do it again, never!
sry been out of town what does the avg transom rebuild cost
I think I also have an old water logged skeeter star fire. I hit 63mph but that's with a 200 strapped to it. I am in the process of replacing part of the floor and found a lot of rotted out stringers and wet foam. I do have stress marks on the splash area but no obvious flex when putting weight on the lower unit, so I'm sure my transom is not in great shape.
So does anyone know what it costs to get a transom repaired? I'm sure it's more then the boat is worth... I think that may be a little too big of a job for me...
I had mine repaired for $2,800 - replaced stringers and foam along with transome and hoses, etc.
would try to do it on my own if I would do it again. I would of been better off just junking to boat since the motor blew also. way to much $ invested in a 20 year old boat. But it floats and fishes good. I don't even worry about little scratches and wipping it down everytime. I just figure it is a good learning boat for me. Hopefully a new boat is in the near future.
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