21 HydraSkiff

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Bought used 95 hull w 2000 175 Ocean Pro. Could't find anything wrong on blogs, and it was in great shape for $8k, so WTH. Has 70 gal. fuel, and w/ 3 persons runs 35 mph w/ 15x15 4 blade or 39 mph w/ 14 5/8x17 3 blade (WAAS GPS meas) at 5500/5400 respectively, which I think is great. Wondering about people taking them offshore 10-15 miles? Any HydraSkiff owners that can share any info at all on this hull/eng setup is appriciated. I know changing out the fuel sending unit was a bugger!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

Welcome!!<br /><br />5500 rpm with an average load is a bit low. For better all around performance you might try moving the motor up a hole or two. That should help the overall performance and let the motor live longer. <br /><br />The 60 degree motors are well known to be one of the best designs OMC ever came up with. Strong, peppy and very reliable. You should get a lot of enjoyment from it.<br /><br />As for going offshore, I have to believe the boat will withstand, within reason, what ever is comfortable to you. Hydra Sports makes a great boat. I've had my 2200 Vector in water that was rougher than I cared to be in and I got the impression the boat was more comfortable than we were.

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

Thanks for the reply.<br />I am still getting a feel for this one...out less than 10 times w/her so far. The tunnel allows for a relatively heavy boat to run shallow and jump up and onto plane very well (in my opinion, anyway). I think, as you stated, that her ability in heavier water would be better that of the skip, just wanted some input. I think going out in 2' and coming back in 4'-5' on an iffy day (after getting more comfortable w/ the boat)would be more than enough adventure for me...otherwise the bays are home.<br />Curious as to your comment on WOT...how much would you push these engines to? Op range shows 4500-5500 in manual...is this conservative for these powerheads? (carbed, not FICHT...heard stories about them)

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

The rev limiter is at 6200, may be at 6700 depending on which components you have. The motor will live much longer if it's set up at 5800 or so with an average load. I have the same motor only older on a flats boat and it's set up at 6000. Runs great!

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

Interesting.<br />I can play w/ setup of jack plate/trim while cruising to get the blade tips up (and thus rpms same) to see if that make a difference in my WOT. That may get me into the best speed/least engine load zone while in cruising rpms. We'll see what the effect is on handling. I know that both props I am running now get the boat up quick in the skinny water we have hear in the Laguna Madre, and, having invested in 2 s.s. props, as well as getting them within 100 rpm of each other, I won't be messing w/ that aspect too soon.<br />Appriciate the feedback.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

By any chance are you using a Teleflex or Faria tach?

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

oem setup as far as I know

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

anything I should be aware of if not OEM....

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

It seems the T-flex tachs tend to read low on the top end. The Faria's are known to be possibly off too. If you have a hydraulic jackplate you should, in theory, be able to get the rpm about anywhere you want it. Even to the point of the prop slipping or venting. In that case the r's should go way up and the speed comes down.

 

[fgwebb@earthlink.net]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

I've got a 20 foot Ocean skiff with 115. I'm curious as to whether you removed your entire center console to replace the fuel sending unit, or where you able to do it by just removing the seat and fighting the tight space.<br /><br />Or did you chop the rear half off the center console section. If this is what you did, please advise on where you cut it, and what kind of finished results you had.<br /><br />thanks

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

The previous owner had put in a new fuel filler line, which necessitated taking the floor/center console unit out (unscrewing, detaching of wiring, etc). For the sending unit on my boat, it was accessable by an inspection port under the console. It was only a 6" opening, and quite tight to work in....had to take out the batteries, of course, unhook the lines going to the baitwell for room, and also the cooler seat to get layed out. Had to open the next nearest inspection port to get a light on things. Not impossible, but very much a tight job for 6 screws and 2 wires.<br />Don't know if your access will be the same or better, but hope this helps.

 

[21 hydraskiff 175]

Re: 21 HydraSkiff

Note: to clarify, on my boat the floor/console is removable by unscrewing it from the rest of the floor/hull. If I needed to take it out, I would remove it as one piece, and would not cut it. Fortunately I didn't need to do this for the sending unit.