Baker Tunnel Hull

[Bob La Londe]

Anybody out there who worked for Baker? I have a 20' Baker Tunnel Hull Bass boat and I am trying to figure out what kind of speed it should be able to hit with a 200HP fuel injected Mariner. <br /><br />I have dialed in props, and adjusted trim and height (with a hydraulic jack plate), and the best I can get out of it under ideal circumstances is 59-61 MPH per my GPS. I am sure it ran much faster when I first got it, but I didn't have a GPS then. <br /><br />My gut reaction is that the injectors are either not working properly or they are dirty, but a local shop who boasts an MMI certified Mercury mechanic claims it is running perfectly. I notice a slight miss at high speeds, but according to the mechanic who said he had his diagnostics hooked up when test running, it is running fine. He claimed the miss I feel is prop slip, but I have noticed it with three different props. <br /><br />Its got compressions around 125 on all six cylinders. <br /><br />Its a little hard starting on cold mornings, but after it warms up it starts easily and runs good for the rest of the day, except for that almost unnoticable miss at top speed.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

Has your RPM remained consistant????

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

No. It was originally under propped with a 5 blade ski prop, and it would easily over rrev if you didn't watch the speed. Now it will not with any of the thtree props I have tried including the 5 blade Ski prop.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

I would say in this case, start with the easy first, and check the hull, make sure it's very clean.....a very small amount of parasitic drag can really load ya down speed-wise and drop your R's as a result.<br />If the hull appears good, we'll eliminate that.<br />Has the boat had any water in it that could possibly "soak" into the foam flotation and cause excessive weight???<br />If not, we're looking at the engine, and I would find a mechanic that isn't afraid of the injectors. Compression sounds good, but sounds like you may have either a weak electrical component, or fuel restriction.<br />One bad sparkplug is all it takes....I assume you've changed those?

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

I do have a bent skeg creating drag, but I the skeg was bent when I bought the boat. Getting it fixed will certainly help, but it hasn't changed during the time I have owned the boat. There are some very minor scars in the gelcoat on the bottom. Nothing into the glass or that I can't fix with MarineTex. They are also in the forward part of the hull that isn't even in the water when its up on step. <br /><br />Yes I have replaced all the plugs. Supposedly all the electronics have been checked. <br /><br />I guess its time to find another mechanic.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

Say Bob, Have you stepped on the scales latly!!!!! <br /><br />Just poking at ya!

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

232 lbs in my shorts. Down from 295 last June. I figured that alone would gain me 10 MPH on top end, but it hasn't added up. LOL.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

Hey, great job on dropping the weight, Im trying to do that myself, Atkins low carb, man it is really working, Only 45# to go.<br /><br />Wish I had an answer for you on your boat, but I cant even get mine to run right! Merc 150.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Baker Tunnel Hull

FYI. The Atkins thing works, but getting used to the diet for the first couple weeks is the worst. The second worst thing is all the places to eat that don't really have anything for you. <br /><br />On the other hand, I am a steak lover so....