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Hello. Just found this site and it seems to have a ton of great info. I just recently repowered this boat with a 300hp single. The dealer mounted the motor in the same holes as the old motor(all the way down). I feel like it is a bit low. I know I can do the up a hole test, up two holes test and I will. I was really hoping someone had done this before and found a good starting point. Up two? Up one? Right now I'm turning a 18.5 prop and turning 5700rpm WOT. I should be between 5700 and 6300 per manufacturer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, I can return the favor down the road. Thanks again

C-

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Dealers tend to always do the least amount of work.

The motor should be 2 or 3 holes up, depending on the prop selected.

A 18.5 prop is not a helpful description. We need to know Make, Model and size A by B in inches. Is it 3 bladed or 4 and aluminum or stainless.

Many will say you will gain 150 rpm's for each hole you raise the motor so I would raise the motor and retest before changing props..

You want the anti-cavitation plate 1-2 inches above the keel. At medium to high speed, one should be able to see the anti-cav plate out of the water in the boat wake.

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Thanks for the reply and help. My prop is a stainless 3 x 18.5 x 20 suzuki prop. I agree that the dealerships do the least amount of work. They think I'm crazy to want to raise motor and I know it needs to be. The AV plate is maybe .5" above keel sitting on trailer. Does this help in deciding a good place to start? What other info would help? Thanks again!

C-

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What kind of speed are you getting out of 300hp? Which engine is it?

I'm considering a repower with a Yamaha 300 or 350. I just want to have an idea what to expect.

I get 37mph off of a 225hp yamaMerc.

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I had the same 225 as you currently run. I went with the Suzuki 300. It really runs good so far. I'm still playing with top speed and props. With the prop noted above I'm getting real close to 49mph via gps depending on load. I'm turning 5700 rpm at wot. Sweet spot for this motor is between 5700 and 6300 rpm. That's why I think I need to raise the motor up a bit. I think I'm dragging to much motor in the water. The 300 makes the boat into a totally different ride. Much better hole shot etc. What hole is your motor currently mounted? Your top speed is a bit higher than I remember mine being.

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Mine engine is all of the way down. Sounds like a different boat... Drives like an old Cadillac, very smooth and comfortable. I just don't like pushing the engine over 5000 rpm, which limits me to about 30mph.

I sure would like one of those Yammy 350s with a 4 bladed prop. I guess I have to wait until the original engine bites it. Just not sure how long that will be. It runs so well.

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MB -

Please explain why you don't like pushing your motor past 5k rpm's yet are interested in an additional 125 hp.

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Phil,
I do run WOT for a few minutes at a time, but I do not like running at high RPMs on longer trips. This is a long standing debate whether WOT or high RPMs is OK or not, which I don't want to get into. Everyone has an opinion. I just don't want to blow the engine in the middle of the Chesapeake miles from home.

The performance of the YamaMerc on this boat is luke warm at best. This engine reportedly only puts out 209hp (despite 225 label). The hole shot is never ending, and the cruising speed is pretty slow. It's difficult to pull waterskiiers. Also, the slower cruising speed limits some of our family outings (kids and wife don't have patience for long rides).

Anyone who owns this original setup longs for having a 300 or a 350 hp on the back of their boat. I'd also settle for twin 150s or 175s.

Because of the power /weight limitations of the current boat setup , I keep my fuel at 1/2 tank or less, and keep the fresh water tank empty unless necessary. This saves close to 600lbs of extra weight to drag around.

Until this engine quits, I'll just continue to learn more about the available engines and enjoy my Cadillac ride. In the future, I look forward to getting places faster, water skiing with the kids, and longer cruises up to Annapolis, which is out of the kids range right now.

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mb466 - If you raise your engine it may improve your hole shot...

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I'll be pulling the boat off the lift in a couple of weeks. I may have the mechanic raise it up a hole or two when they are winterizing it. I cannot remember how far down the cavitation plate is relative to the bottom of the boat. If it is appropriate, I'll get it done. I would hope it would have been set up properly coming from the factory. Its all original.

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Just got back from testing. Moved the motor up two holes. Which puts mounting hardware in 3rd hole. Lake was rough but managed 6150rpm. Almost hit 50mph. Pretty sure it will easily hit atleast 50 when the water is a bit calmer. Hole shot was alao better. Just thought I'd add this in case someone is looking for a starting point. Thanks
C-

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Yes, bolt in 3rd hole from the top is mounted "2 Holes Up".
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...cle_id=106

This seems to be the best all around mounting position for many Whalers.

Some models can take all the way up with the correct prop.