Rookie-94-115 Mariner!!!!

[SA SPURS]

:WHEN I TAKE OFF, I HAVE THE MOTOR TILTED DOWNWARD:: AND THE LIFT DOWN ABOUT HALF WAY. AS I TAKE OFF FASTER ,I START TILTING THE MOTOR TO GET MORE SPEED OR TOP SPEED. WATER WANTS TO COME IN THE BOAT FROM IN BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE POWER LIFT. IS THERE A CERTAIN POSITION THE TILT OR LIFT HAS TO BE AT????

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Rookie-94-115 Mariner!!!!

Sounds like you are describing a power jacking plate, used to adjust motor height while running.

While motor set-back and elevated height are both great adjustment to achieve the ultimate in straight line speed, they are not required for the majority of boaters.

The 'splash' you are describing occurs when the gearcase is too low and pushing water.

General rule of thumb, motor height is set to have the cavitation plate (plate immediately above the prop) even with or up to 1 inch above the bottom of the hull. Height may be increased with engine set-back. Perfectly set then the cav plate at WOT speeds may be even with or slightly skimming the water. Raising the motor any higher risks reducing cooling water pick-up. With modification of the gearcase for low water pickup and 'surface piercing props' additional height and speed may be gained. Again, NOT generally applicable to the average or novice boater.