Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

[AquaPatioMD]

Hey guys, I am about to get my motor and will be mounting the the motor to my 24' Aqua Patio. I have done 3 motor switches (All in the water, my back yard) and have always put them as low as the can go, pretty much sitting just above the lip of the transom, lower lip where water goes in and out. All motors have been 25" shaft, this motor is too. Out of my previous old 86 merc 115 I have gotten 27mph at WOT. But the one thing that I have noticed is that at 5300 rpm (WOT) I was hearing a miss some times, that might have just been with my previous old motor but want to make this perfect. So what do you think?

Appreciate your help, and love this forum!

 

[Pontoonfoon]

Re: Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

from what i have been seeing, most people have their motors way low, lower than makes any sense (to me)

I have a 21ft signature party with a 90 ELPTO and i have mine 1 notch from THE TOP (1 notch lower than the highest it can be set)

when i got it, it was at the lowest setting.

no ryme or reason for having it that low, just more motor in the water causing more drag and more possibility to hit something submerged.,


I would set it as high as you can without getting getting air... test it by yourself if possible.

if you can run it wot, trimmed with just 1 person, without getting any air, you will never have a problem with more people on or at lower speeds.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

I also have a 24' pontoon and would love to put a 150 hp motor on the back, however the rating says only a 100 hp. Is there a certain thing I can add to the transom to make it heavier?????

 

[AquaPatioMD]

Re: Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

My rating was for a 115 but went ahead and got the beast. I went under my boat while in the water and and drilled 10 extra holes and reinforced the transom. the 150 is now on my boat and is overall sitting very well! No major lag at all, and it weighs 467 pounds! Very happy she is sitting well...

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

What do you mean you went under water and reinforced the transom by drilling 10 extra holes????

 

[AquaPatioMD]

Re: Mounting Mercury Optimax 150, how low?

i live on the water, the boat is in my backyard. I went in the water, under the transom and driled 10 new holes which are all connected to the cross beams. There was originally only 6 total. there are now 16. So far she is holding just fine! will take pics tomorrow.