motor to high?

[wibiker]

We just bought a 89 Checkmate Spectra 200 w/87 Johnson GT200 from orig. purchaser, it is as new. He said he never adjusted the motor hieght and bolts look like they were not touched, problem is it cavitates very easy in corners or if someone is in bow section. Looks like cavitaion plate is above lowest point of rear hull "raining right now or I would check how much" tried 2 props, 1 raker 14.5 x 22 stainless and 1 14.25 x 21 alum. Aluminum seemed better? Motor can be lowered approx. 1.5-2" with one hole, or is there a better prop? had Stiletto on last boat and it helped stop cavitation, 4 blade prop help? thanks for any info

 

[wibiker]

Re: motor to high?

also would a cavitation plate added to original help? thanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: motor to high?

Between the lines of your question lies the answer.<br /><br />Lower the motor if you want to keep your prop, leave it and get another prop (as you did on your previous boat) it you want to opt for the highest speed.<br /><br />You can read about pros and cons for either solution in the prop book availble for free by choosing the link here http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=015097

 

[wibiker]

Re: motor to high?

I looked at motor and can not lower it because Checkmate installs transom plates at factory and top is too wide for engine mount to go over, the cavitation plate is about 2.75" above lowest part of boat. Now what prop will help the most? is a 4 blade better? if a prop won't make up diff. on motor mounted this high where can i get a jack plate to help? thanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: motor to high?

This http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...284&catalogCode=IC&parentId=&parentType=&rid= <br /><br />and this<br /> http://www.portaproducts.com/bracket.html <br /><br />are just two samples of the hits from a Google search for ' motor jackplate '. The Quicksilver Paralift travels 12" from top to bottom position so it will solve any kind of problem you may have regarding this.<br /><br />Please follow the mentioned link and check the prop booklet. There are more facts to consider when choosing a prop and you are the one who nows what you expect from it. 2.75" calls for a racing prop as you'll almost have the driveshaft in the waterline when on plane. Racing props have special properties and may not be right for your use.<br /><br />If you alter the motor height you do not have to bother with the prop unless it otherwise doesn't fit your needs.

 

[wibiker]

Re: motor to high?

I've been reading the prop pages and looking at the jackplates, prop would be easier but jackplate would be the answer, found one from cmc that has a 4" or 5" setback and should not interfere with cables, thanks for all info!!

 

[wibiker]

Re: motor to high?

one last question, would a stabilizer plate help when the original decavitation plate is above bottom of boat by 2.75"? thanks

 

[dpruett]

Re: motor to high?

cavitation plate needs to be at the same level as the lowest point on the transom for prop to stay gripped to the water. as for the decavitation plate or hydryfoil. it wont help the problem much but will help the overall performance of your boat.before changing the prop i would find away to lower the motor 2.75"