Just bought a 1987 skeeter starfire 180 bass boat, its having a similar problem that an 1988 champion i had did. The champ had a 150 black max xr2, this skeeter has a mariner magnum NOT A MAG II. Everyone says the Mag II is same as an xr2 mercury but idk about the Mag 1. Anyway it looks basically the same but the problem i never resolved on the champ and now have on this skeeter is poor hole shots. It loads up and chokes up when u try to get out of the hole, i trim all the way down for faster stern lift therfore putting the boat on plane as fast as posisble. However it will not take off unless i trim the motor up a little higher because the exaughst relief ports are under water the motor sets so low on the transom. I can then take off working the trim and she gets up and screams! Runs great and idles perfect starts easy etc. Is there anyway to perhaps attach a snorkle of some sort to each of the exaughst ports to get them above the water line to prevent having to take off with the bow pointing at the sky? Its on the lowest setting on the transom mount, but i do not have time to lift it a hole or 2, trimmed level when sitting on the trailer the prop is well below the bottom of the boat, and thing sets so low in the water. I just wish it would holeshot with it trimmed under like my 89 procraft with black max 150 would. Its exaughst ports set about 3 inches above the water at idle where this mariner 150 and my xr2 on my champ set right at water line or even slightly under while idling. Please help!
