How high can I raise outboard?

[fishmen111]

Picked up a 16' 1993 Stratos bassboat for next to nothing. Has a non-T/T 48hp 'rude with an aftermarket Panther T/T unit on it. I realize that the general rule is to have the anti-cavitation plate even with the lowest part of the transom, but this motor plows hard when coming off plane (several inches of cowling under water). It also must be trimmed rather high once on plane to prevent a rooster tail from the plate, but then tends to porpose. Since the T/T unit sets the motor back 8", can I get away with raising it 2"? The boat is set up as stock weight distribution wise, but I do plan on at least moving the trolling motor battery up front. There is no evidence of water intrusion and it sits normal when not under power.

 

[F_R]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

That is impossible to answer without actually trying it. The general rule is run it as high as you can without excessive ventilation. If you get it too high, let it back down a notch.

 

[v_fourmax]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

Picked up a 16' 1993 Stratos bassboat for next to nothing. Has a non-T/T 48hp 'rude with an aftermarket Panther T/T unit on it. I realize that the general rule is to have the anti-cavitation plate even with the lowest part of the transom, but this motor plows hard when coming off plane (several inches of cowling under water). It also must be trimmed rather high once on plane to prevent a rooster tail from the plate, but then tends to porpose. Since the T/T unit sets the motor back 8", can I get away with raising it 2"? The boat is set up as stock weight distribution wise, but I do plan on at least moving the trolling motor battery up front. There is no evidence of water intrusion and it sits normal when not under power.

What is the maximum hp rating for that boat? I would tend to think that a 48 hp rude would be way underpowered on a 16 ft glass bass boat. I know I have run one of those motors on a similiar sized tin bass boat and the power was marginal even on the aluminum rig. I had a 75 hp merc on a 16 glass bass rig some years ago and with two people and gear it was not the quickest boat to get up. I would tend to guess that the motor is struggling to bring the boat up on plane as it probably just isn't enough motor to really do the job.

I doubt that motor height is going to make a lot of difference on the boat plowing so bad, probably gonna take a few more ponies!

 

[fishmen111]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

Thanks. I will raise it up two holes tomorrow and see if she catches air (the prop). Believe it or not, this motor is actually stock for this boat. I thought it was a little small myself until I looked it up. Thanks again.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

The only way to tell is to try it but with the setback you ahould be able to go pretty high, I have a CMC and my engine is @2'' above the bottom of the boat.

I have to trim down a bit in turns but it doesn't blow out otherwise.

Trial and error is the only way to know, keep going up till it blows out then drop it a hole.

 

[steelespike]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

Certain props will allow maximum height and some will resist squating some.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: How high can I raise outboard?

Thanks folks. Raised it up two holes and never spun. I will go the last hole this weekend just to see. Motor stopped all of its bad characteristics except for flooding the self draining transom on de-acceleration...guess that it why it is self draining. Have a bilge pump if not. I think the aftermarket set-back of the motor has this lightweight boat off kilter...did great though!