20XD and 250XS, not getting speed and rpm

[jemccall]

Guys,
I ran a 28 Bravo worked by Mark on my 250XS Sportmaster lower unit with 1.67 gears and I was not getting anywhere near the numbers that I am seeing many others getting with the same combo. At best I am running 5300 to 5400 rpm (depending on atmosphere) and getting about 80 to 82 mph out of it. This is loaded with me and partner, full fishing load. The motor is at 1" above pad with a 12" rapid jack and getting about 12 psi at WOT. I recently broke a ear off the bravo and had to go to a spare prop which is a 26P 4 blade performer. It has a terrible hole shot and I only get about 5500 to 5600 RPM out of it.
I have talked to Mark about stepping down to a 26P Bravo and lowering my motor back down some so I am not as suseptable to break another ear. This may help hole shot and mid range but definitely will effect top end performance.
Should I be looking for something else wrong with my motor? Everything seems ok, it runs great otherwise, but I am concerned that I am not getting the performance that other people seem to be getting.
Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[bayoubullet]

you should be high 80's -90 mph fishing load. someone will chime in. that is a common combo that you are running should be easy to get advice

[Radar66]

Check for loose insulation on the inside of the engine cowl. It can suck down against the air intake on the engine. I just had this problem on my 300xs. If it is loose shoot some spray adhesive in where it is separated, let it dry, and stick it back in place.

[Largemouthlou]

You need to try and get to one of our get togethers, either on Isto or down here in Clewiston.. Where in the state are you located, may be there is some one close that can help ya..

[jemccall]

I am in the very northwest corner of the state of FL near the AL state line. What's the closest event from here?
I did take off my cowling and look at the insulation. It was loose a little bit from where the previous owner had run some wiring for a running light he had mounted on top of the cowling. I sprayed it with some adhesive and stuck it back down. Maybe I will see a difference.

[james69z28]

your getting about the same results as i am! no matter what prop i run 84 has been tops loaded to fish with just me, no partner

[james69z28]

your getting about the same results as i am! no matter what prop i run 84 has been tops loaded to fish with just me, no partner.
the best "feeling" prop is a 28 bravo but top speed was 81 loaded to fish and i think i had a partner that day. I just decided after 2 different motors and 4 diff. lower units and 10 diff. props i will just be a slow bullet!

[jemccall]

That's crazy. I didn't think they made a slow Bullet. However, I am beginning to wonder if I have one also. Sounds like some of these other guys are having better luck. What do you think the problem is. I have heard that some bullets may have a hull defect, (I think they call it "hook") that will slow them down. How can you detect this problem?

I have had my engine hooked up to the computer and checked out by a very good technician and he says that there are no engine problems. Hopefully when I run it the next time, the small fix I made to the engine cowl insulation will have made a difference. I will still have to run the 26P OTH Performer and will be by myself. I will take my GPS and see what she will do!

[fastbasser]

Some guys run with EXTREMELY light fishing loads. I have seen boats loose over 10 mph cause they load SO much crap in the front of the boat...

Empty your boat

Load your heavy stuff behind you

Fill up the rear compartments with your heavy stuff.. If your heavy stuff won't fit,,,,,

YOU CARRY TOO MUCH CRAP!! LOL IT IS NOT THE BOAT OR MOTOR!!

It will make a difference!

[fastbasser]

I will bet if you can drive your boats will both easily run over 90 if you empty them out!! Weight in the front is a speed killer.

[mercury97]

I have been in a stock weight 20xd/250xs....12'' setback......1.5'' above pad

29 hydro quad 4 ob worked for the rig.....88-90 mph all day long

Full fishing load.....2 guys, 14 fishing rods, 100lbs of tackle

[mercury97]

How long has it been since you replaced the water pump? I would think that you would have more water press. at 1'' above. I personally think the motor is too low

[tmbullet]

I only take what I need to fish with you don't need 150lbs of fishing stuff only a certain amount of stuff you can use in one tx. I run all in the back and I run 83.2 with a fishing load and half tank of gas and thats with a 21XD 03 model with an 04 Mercury 225 EFI..

[tmbullet]

Should be getting more psi than that I'm 3/4 of an inch below the pad and I run about 20 psi of water pressure, should have it checked that sounds low....