Engine Height - diminishing returns?

[Lotus 50]

Engine height measuring:

I want to set up the trailer so the boat is level. I will do this by putting a level on the pad. Do I place the level so it contacts the lip on the pad or farther forward? Our old steel level is about 3' long.

I have an SS2000, XR4 w/Bob's nosecone, and an 8" Detwiler hydraulic jackplate.

Where do I start for speed? 1/2" below the pad? If I start going up from 1/2" below will I gain 1-2 mph or something more noticeable.?

How high and how fast before I should worry about bat turns?

Note that for all but top end runs I will keep the engine low to protect the small gearcase.

thanks

David

 

[2fast4mom]

David,

Take your level 3 to 4 inches forward of the lip on the pad. Do not use the lip to set the level across. Place it at the keel center and then use the trailer tongue jack to get the pad level.

Level the propshaft (not the cav plate, not anything else on the lower unit) using the trim button.

Measure the CENTER of the propshaft to the floor. Measure the center of the pad 4" ahead of the lip, to the floor. This measurement is your relative propshaft height.

The floor MUST be level for this to accurate.

1/2" below the pad is a common starting point. 1/4" below the pad is where my XB2003 likes to ride, all other things considered. Your SS with XR4 may like it at even (aligned) with the pad, but without a lot of seat time you could get in trouble anywhere from 1/2" to 1" above the pad.

Hope this helps.

 

[ally2dextreme]

measure

i have found its alot easier to level the flywheel than the prop shaft the rest i doo the same

 

[SSTOM]

ENGINE HEIGHT

I run my engine anywhere from even with the pad to 1/4 above. I have a SS 2000 with a stock 2.5 200 I hope this will help. 8)

 

[Lotus 50]

Thanks for the advice. How fast is the SS2000 with a stock 200?

I am getting anxious to run the boat but the lake is still frozen.

David

 

[SSTOM]

ENGINE HEIGHT

LOTUS, YOU HAVE A PM. TOM 8)

 

[On Tap]

One of those things

Engine height is one of those things that is different for every rig. The gearcase, prop, setback, horsepower, weight distribution all make a difference on what will be best for your application.

Like Lou suggested, start out at 1/2" below the pad. Raise the height from there in 1/4" increments until performance or water pressure starts to fall off. Then back down 1/4" and your'e there.

Be safe!
Good Luck!