2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

[Marshbuck89]

Hey there. Winterized the boat today,, and got to thinking, "its time I do somethin about my prop selection/outboard height."



I have a 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 (Adventure series) with a 2005 Merc 115 Opti as the main engine and a 20 P Laser II prop. With my set up currently, the boat maxes out at 5020 rpms and about 41-41.5 mph WOT at 7.2 trim (according to the smartcraft system) and this has been the most consistant position of trim for speed and control at WOT in fairly decent water. It has always been like this. I get wasted in EVERY tournament and always wish I could get those extra 2-4 mph that I know the boat is capable of just to help get to my spots a little sooner and to get up and on top of the decent sizes waves better instead of gettin my rear end handed to me in 2.5 footers goin 28 mph.



So the questions are 1) Should I change props and which ones should I consider? (ive tried the prop selector on the merc website and that never helps) 2) Ive heard that the cavitation plate should be near flush to the hull, but do not know if that means with trim all the way down or approximate trim that ill be using at WOT 3) Ive also heard about playing with the little black plugs in the prop and would like to hear more on that subject...I see it as something that may help a little but doesnt really correct the actual problem. 4) How hard is it to raise an outboard of this size in one's garage and what will I need to accomplish it?



I know that something not set up right but never really wanted to "mess" with anything due to the cost of props, etc.



I love my marina and fully trust those guys, but I also like doing stuff for myself and like to save an extra buck when I can. Also those guys get pretty darn busy come May and I hate having my boat out of service for more than a day when I know I could be out fishing!!!



Thank you in advance to everyone for the help! First hand knowledge/recommendations on this same set is what Im really hoping to see, but ANY truthfull suggestions (not just guesses) are very apprectiated as well!



Thanks,

Marshbuck89

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

Welcome to iboats.

Hold - yes HOLD your thoughts. Since you are winterized you will not be able to judge and small changes made. This is your "springtime" project.

As far as engine height....... While the motor is straight up and down .....use a straightedge and the anti-ventilation plate (the lowest flat plate) should be about 1" above the lowest portion of the keel.

The Opti's rpm range is 5000-5750 and you are just inside the lower end........ I would suggest in the springtime you try a 18" or even a 17" prop and you will be raising your rpms up. The Opti's have rev limiters that stop you at 5800 but they do like to run in the higher end of the range.

Meanwhile while the boat is home it could also be time for a diet! Clean that puppy out of excess stuff you have stored. Less weight = more speed.

Now just to confuse the issue for you If you look up performance reports on Mercs and Evinrudes ....... you will also see the the aluminum hulls actually are slower then the fiberglass bass boat hulls. Sorry but that is the nature of the beast.

To move the engine up or down a "notch" is easy with a few tools since only 2 bolts need to be removed and 2 need to be loose....... then use a hydraulic jack or a hoist to raise and lower the motor only ONE notch. One notch then water test........ watch your water inlet so you do not overheat.

I really do understand your quest. An aluminum boat with a 115 usually runs 41-44 mph. I would not be too wrapped up in those 2-3 mph....... you could end up spending hundreds to achieve that. Big cost with a small return

Winter is a great time to have your carbs rebuilt, change the impellar etc.and MOST of all......make sure your hull is not holding water in the hull which is fattening and HEAVY! My good money is on the prop being off an inch or two

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

Also understand that just because the engine will rev faster with a prop having less pitch, does not mean it will push the boat faster. It can in cases of extreme lugging, but because of less pitch, the prop is taking a smaller "bite" on the water so the prop MUST spin faster to maintain the same speed. Hole shot would likely be much better than you currently experience. Prop selection is a crap shoot so before spending money on them, work with engine height, trim, verify engine tuning, and yes -- chuck the excess weight. Some hulls are simply faster than others whether aluminum or glass. When researching props, be sure you investigate prop "design". All props of the same pitch and diameter do not perform the same. Some may be faster with less hole shot, some may have excellent hole shot with less top end speed, and some are a blend of the two. Work with a prop shop that lets you try before you buy. Then be a sport and buy from them.

 

[Marshbuck89]

Re: 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

Thanks for the info guys!

It appears I can go at least one hole higher. And yes this will be a spring project but just want to get some ideas in my head so it isnt the early season walleye bite and then I forget about it/run out of time. I will look into 17-18 pitch props as well. Yes I know my hull is not a fast hull like the big walleye Rangers, Yar-Crafts, Skeeters, etc. but I think its capable of a little more than what I am getting right now. It has always felt like a couple more mph/rpms could help me get up on top of the waves just a bit better. I must admit that the boat, as its currently set up, has excellent holeshot...it planes out in 2 seconds or less with all my gear in it if the gear is spread out right.

Now as far as testing it with a "lighter load" goes... There might be an honest 3-5 times that my boat is on the water without all of my tackle in it. I almost always have all 12 linecounters, 6 jigging rods, 4 slip bobber roads, and 8 secret rods I cannot tell anyone about lol, as well as 1,500 crankbaits, God knows how many jigs....lets say 1,600, planer boards, the rod holders, net, rain suits, all other terminal tackle, Leeches and crawlers, electric scale, and a few bottles of water and crackers (i know, i should probably spend more money for healthy meals and less on fishing!). This gear is for me and my partner so he never has to bring anything when we're in the same boat on tournament days. I cant stand the feeling of leaving something home even if its the tuesday before a tourney because Ill be mad at myself for not bringing it and not trying it and not knowing if that wouldve worked with thats days conditions.

Now heres the thing...on those rare occasions when I dont not have a majority of that stuff in the boat, I have noticed that my rpms still do not get above 5020...sometimes i can get up to 5060 but thats the tops. That is what has lead me to realize that its not just my gear in the boat causing the problems. My partner and myself weigh maaayybe 375 lbs together...were not the average walleye fisherman...were pretty fit and thin compared to a vast majority of the of guys haha. So our weight isnt a concern at all with all the tackle in the boat at the same time. My hair is falling out but at least my metabolism hasnt died...yet:facepalm:!

So with that being said, wouldnt it make sense to do the testing with MY normal load? I am not asking this in a snotty fashion at all so I hope you do not take it that way, I am just genuinely asking because my boat is always full...and i do use it all yes lol.

Thanks so much again guys!

 

[Marshbuck89]

Re: 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

Thanks for the info guys!

It appears I can go at least one hole higher. And yes this will be a spring project but just want to get some ideas in my head so it isnt the early season walleye bite and then I forget about it/run out of time. I will look into 17-18 pitch props as well. Yes I know my hull is not a fast hull like the big walleye Rangers, Yar-Crafts, Skeeters, etc. but I think its capable of a little more than what I am getting right now. It has always felt like a couple more mph/rpms could help me get up on top of the waves just a bit better. I must admit that the boat, as its currently set up, has excellent holeshot...it planes out in 2 seconds or less with all my gear in it if the gear is spread out right.

Now as far as testing it with a "lighter load" goes... There might be an honest 3-5 times that my boat is on the water without all of my tackle in it. I almost always have all 12 linecounters, 6 jigging rods, 4 slip bobber roads, and 8 secret rods I cannot tell anyone about lol, as well as 1,500 crankbaits, God knows how many jigs....lets say 1,600, planer boards, the rod holders, net, rain suits, all other terminal tackle, Leeches and crawlers, electric scale, and a few bottles of water and crackers (i know, i should probably spend more money for healthy meals and less on fishing!). This gear is for me and my partner so he never has to bring anything when we're in the same boat on tournament days. I cant stand the feeling of leaving something home even if its the tuesday before a tourney because Ill be mad at myself for not bringing it and not trying it and not knowing if that wouldve worked with thats days conditions.

Now heres the thing...on those rare occasions when I dont not have a majority of that stuff in the boat, I have noticed that my rpms still do not get above 5020...sometimes i can get up to 5060 but thats the tops. That is what has lead me to realize that its not just my gear in the boat causing the problems. My partner and myself weigh maaayybe 375 lbs together...were not the average walleye fisherman...were pretty fit and thin compared to a vast majority of the of guys haha. So our weight isnt a concern at all with all the tackle in the boat at the same time. My hair is falling out but at least my metabolism hasnt died...yet:facepalm:!

So with that being said, wouldnt it make sense to do the testing with MY normal load? I am not asking this in a snotty fashion at all so I hope you do not take it that way, I am just genuinely asking because my boat is always full...and i do use it all yes lol.

Thanks so much again guys!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 2005 Lund Fisherman 1700 with 115 Optimax

I wonder if your boat is laying down too flat. Does it respond to up trim?
I think some lightly loaded tests will help tell if the motor/setup is ideal.
When making changes do one at a time and test.
Is the bottom clean and smooth No strange dents, bumps or apparatus dragging in the water?
Is there a Whale tail; on the motor?
Not too much you can do about rough water,I have a feeling your bottom is fairly flat. Trim down and put your partner in the bow.
More to come.
Is the prop in excellent condition?