Transom height advice

[3ric]

Hello, I am restoring a Lowe 1448 Jon that I will be putting a 15 hp mercury on. The anti ventilation plate is about -1 1/2” below the bottom of the boat. Based on what I have read in other posts, I feel like I need to raise where the motor sits. I have read that the anti vent plate needs to be within -1” to 0”, but which is it? My reading suggests that on the smaller outboards -1” is better than 0” but it is never in direct context to my setup. Since I already have the transom torn apart now is the time to make the adjustment. Any advice?

 

[JimS123]

Its a trial and error procedure. Every boat I ever owned had a different requirement.

 

[3ric]

How do I know if the height is right/ideal?

 

[JimS123]

How do I know if the height is right/ideal?

Put it all the way down. Then check your speed, fuel usage and WOT RPM. Look for cavitation on tight turns, or any other squirrely performance.

Raise the motor up 1/2" and repeat. Continue incrementally until you reach a point that you don't like the performance. And then drop it one notch - that's the optimum.

If the motor bracket has adjustable holes, its an easy task. Otherwise, be careful to ensure its firmly clamped on. In the end, drill and bolt it on.

 

[3ric]

Put it all the way down. Then check your speed, fuel usage and WOT RPM. Look for cavitation on tight turns, or any other squirrely performance.

Raise the motor up 1/2" and repeat. Continue incrementally until you reach a point that you don't like the performance. And then drop it one notch - that's the optimum.

If the motor bracket has adjustable holes, its an easy task. Otherwise, be careful to ensure its firmly clamped on. In the end, drill and bolt it on.

Got it, thanks for the help