Cobra 1710 Set-up

[mikevi]

I have a 2000 1710 with a 2001 115 merc? Looking for suggestions on best set-up. Right now I'm running a 23 pitch prop at 4800 rpm and a top speed of 44 mph gps. I know the max rpm on the motor is 5250 and a stainless prop will help but would like ideas from someone that might have this set-up.

[Backlash Ar]

Mike...Welcome to the Cobra Board, glad to have you join us. First of all you aren't going to see big speed numbers with your boat because it is a little under powered and Cobra's aren't the lightest boats to push around on the water. Yours checks in at right around 1250 lbs. B-T-W, the max h.p. on that boat is 175HP but most guys are running 150HP with a 23" Tempest prop. However, let's see if we can get you a little better set-up with what you're running and see if we can at least get you into the low 50's. In order to get your boat set up to the max we need a little more info before we can offer a solution. Let's start with...do you have a jackplate on your 1710? If so, what is the set back? And, how far is your prop shaft below the pad?

[mikevi]

Thanks Larry,
I don't have a jack plate and the prop shaft is about 5.5" below the pad.

[Backlash Ar]

Mike...your engine is way to low in the water. Raise it up to 3.5" below the pad. Generally speaking, for every inch you raise the engine you will increase your rpm's by about 200 rpm's. Your boat will run better and handle better if you get a jackplate, at least a 6" incher, so your prop can run in cleaner water. (Your boat should have come with a 6" jackplate as standard equipment, did you remove it)? And if you want to get the best possible performance out of what you have you will have to get rid of that aluminum prop and get a SS one (see if your dealer will let you try both a 21" and a 23"). Keep us informed and let us know how it's going.

[Tx 201]

Getting your rpms up will help, and Larry's advise is right on the money, but I am not sure you are going to see 50's with a 115. I would guess 47-48 would be about the best you can hope for.

I hope I am wrong, cause I know a shorter boat in 2.5 to 3' waves at 42 will jar your teeth out!

[5over15]

I'm getting 68 GPS with a 175 Optimax, 6" jplate and 24 Tempest and haven't really messed with the setup. Not sure I wnt anymore out of it...gets kinda of squirly.

[mikevi]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm just trying to decide between tweaking what I have or biting the bullet and getting a 150 with a jack plate and ss prop.

[Backlash Ar]

Hey Mike...Don't get too discouraged if you don't see a bunch of improvement right away even if you decide to get a jackplate and an SS prop because the weather will effect your performance. You'll get your best speeds when the water and air temperatures are cooler and the humidity is lower. Also you'll want to have just a slight ripple on the surface of the water for the best results.