Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

[wrestler69]

Just wondering what your guys take on a 2004 17.5' crestliner, with a 2004 Yamaha 115 HP fourstroke. I do a lot of fishing and as far as that goes the prop and motor set up are fine but, but when i do any pulling mainly tubing the boat is a little sluggish out of the hole. That is probabaly because it is only a 115 though. The main problem is that when I try to corner at any decent speed while pulling someone i get cavitation so i can only make really wide turns or really slow turns. The entire setup is stock but I need to buy a new prop so just figured I would see if anyone on here has any idea how to stop the cavitation is it prop related or motor mount.

Thanks alot

 

[rndn]

Re: Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

Welcome to the forum.
It would help to know the following things:
Current prop size and manufacturer
Current wide open throttle rpm's
Current top speed
Where is the cavitation plate on the outboard in relationship to the keel of the boat? Above the keel by 1-2 inches, below the keel 1-2 inches, even with the keel.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

Many of the wide hull boats like your Crestliner have the same issue with ventilation on hard turns. You need to trim down when turning. Yes -- that's annoying but a fact of life. As the boat turns sharply, it tends to lay over on the inside of the turn. That tends to rotate the motor like a pendulum on a clock so the prop can ventilate. Some props can "hang on" a little better than others so some experimentation with props might help. But that can get expensive unless you work with a prop shop that has a try before you buy program. You have also experienced both ends of the performance spectrum with your engine as well. A prop is the only transmission gear that you have so it must be selected to get you out of the hole, on plane, and then allow the engine to operate at or near its recommended wide open throttle rpm with an average load. Now you want it to also pull like a tow truck so that prop no longer works well. For that very reason, many folks have two props. One for everyday use, and on for water sports. Again, its annoying, but a fact of life.

 

[wrestler69]

Re: Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

Thanks for the info so far. I guess my main concern is just being able to corner a little better. It cavitates bad when i turn and yes that is trimmed all the way down. As far as prop specs I have no idea it is whatever came from the manufacture, but will check it out this weekend and let you guys know. I have hit 49mph with just myself in the boat and hardly any gas but it usually stays between 43-45 mph for top end, the rpms I am not sure i think 6000 topped out, but I haven't driven it since last summer so can't remember exactly. I will take a look this weekend the boat is in storage and will tell you guys more info then. Once again thanks for the help.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

If your running an aluminum prop a change to a stainless may solve your problem.Let the pros here figure out just what will be best when you get the prop specs to us.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: Correct set up 2004 Crestliner

Dont forget about smart tabs. They will help you out of the hole and may even correct some of the lean on turns.