Jack plate question 08 200xl 225 optimax proxs

[Sterling]

I currently do not have a jackplate on my boat. My understanding is I can install up to an 8" without voiding the warranty. Is there enough difference to go to 8" or would 6" be enough? I am trying to get chine walk under control. My boat is a handfull at 65 when I am alone. Thanks for any advise.

[Blue Steel]

A six is all you need.Those are fine rides when propped right

[Dan21XRS]

I'm running the same rig. My setup is a 6" Slidemaster with a 27 Tempest. Chine walking has never been an issue. You should be able to run 76-77mph with no issues... Dan

[buzzjet]

Dan,
How high are you running your motor?

[F150owner]

Sterling,

The 200XL takes a little more driver input to manage the chine walk than the rest of the Stratos lineup. I would recommend an 8" plate over a 6" anyday. If you're gonna do it, get the 8". More is better. In my opinion a jackplate is a "must have" on boats like the 294(+Evo), 200, 201(+Evo).

The magic to controling chine is proper setup and seat time. Can't put enough emphasis on <U>seat time</U>. Some can't master the chinewalk then blame the boat, get new customized props, and wear their jack plate out moving it up and down.

Getting an adjustable plate is definitely going to help and is a step in the right direction. Your motor may need to come up a tad to help reduce the effects of chine walk. You'll also get a noticeable benefit in speed.

I have forgotten the pad to shaft measurement, but some will tell you to start at 4" under pad and work your way up, seeing how it performs until you hit the sweet spot.

Good luck and we've all been where you are!!

[Dan21XRS]

Sorry I was out fishing... I'm running 2.5" below pad... Dan

[buzzjet]

Thanks for the response. I have a 2010 200 with the 225 pro xs. I am running at 3.5" below the pad at the moment. It is good to know that I have a lot more room to go up. I just completed the break-in today so I will be trying to set it up shortly.

[buzzjet]

Oh and Dan, sorry for all the questions but how many RPMs are you getting out of the 27 tempest? I have only seen 5500 with mine to date but I have not really pushed it yet. I have only ran it up for short bursts before letting off. And my motor is still at 3.5" below the pad.

[Sterling]

I think more importantly what is the water pressure?

[buzzjet]

At 3.5" below the pad, my water pressure gauge is nearly pegged at 5000 RPMs. I don't know what the bottom is for merc water pressure but I am not near it. I am seeing high 20's.

[ep72]

Good post Duane, lots of thruth there.

[Dan21XRS]

Water pressure is 25+ at 6000 rpms. ALWAYS watch your water pressure gauge when you move your engine higher... dan

[Flipping57]

I agree with Duane on the 8" plate. I have a 2007 200XL/225 ProXS and with a 6" plate it would porpoise a little at wot, I went to a 8" plate and it got a little better so I put 2" spacers on it and it handled even better. I did not notice very much difference in speed with the three different setbacks. I tried a lot of props on it and a B&B'd 26 Tempest and a 26 Fury were the fastest props with both of them set at 3 1/4" below the pad. A 26 Trophy set at 2 3/4" was real close in speed and it handled better than the 3 blade props. This boat in the summer will run 76-77 (gps) any day with just me and a full tourney load, in the winter it is a 78-79 (gps) with the same load. I did break 80 with just me and a tourney load one time in 50 Degree water and 30 degree air. If it is chine walking real bad a 65 you are probably to low without a jackplate. Get a 8" jackplate and set it at 3 1/2" and work your way up 1/4" at a time until you loose speed and gain rpm's then go back down a 1/4". It is still going to chine walk I don't care what anyone tells you, but with seat time you will learn to drive it. And anyone that thinks their 200XL does not chine walk just turn loose of the steering wheel at 75 and see.

[Sterling]

Thanks very much for all the replies. I am hoping to pick up an 8" slidemaster from a BBCer who read this thread and has one sitting in his garage. If all goes well I will be able to stop by next week.