Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I have the 165 navigator with a 90 yamaha, so it is not quite the same, but I do have a question for you.... What bolt hole is the motor mounted in? Reason I ask is that if the motor is mounted in the highest hole (lowest position) or the 2nd hole up (one bolt hole off transom), chances are you can move that motor up to the top position and it will perform quite well. It will also get you another 200 or so RPM's.
Also, depending on how easy the boat is to trim, you might be able to tweek just a bit more out of it by peening the trailing edge of the hull. This can give you a bit more bow lift, which will get more boat out of the water when trimming up, which will give you more RPM's as well.
No matter what you try, there will be a compromise of some sort...a higher mounting position of the motor usually means a little less capability of handling, but increased handling also decreases overall speed and RPM's...
If you can, see if you can also locate a good prop shop who has test props for you to try...get 3 or 4 of them, and spend time running each prop....one will stand out as the best for your rig, where speed and RPM's are good and handling is also good. When you find the right prop, the boat will just cruise along easily at mid throttle...
Lots of things to try and do, so if you enjoy tinkering, it is a fun project.
Steve |
Alumacraft Navigator 175CS with 150 Optimax