Should I raise my engine?

[jsaylor]

2001 tracker deck boat with 115hp mercury. Just purchased this boat, hard to find the sweet spot on the trim without an abundance of spray from the engine, if I trim up all the way I have much less spray, I don't porpoise trimed out all the way nor do I wash out, I do however have to run at least 3/4 throttle to have the no spray. Currently my cavitation plate is about 2.5 inches below the keel. Currently the motor is in the lowest position, should I raise? if so 1 or 2 holes considering each is 3/4 inch.
Thanks

 

[JeremyB]

I run with the cavitation plate level to the keel

 

[fastjeff]

IF your prop will allow it, the motor can be raised several inches. The result is far more speed and, if the prop is okay, no change in plane off behavior. It's a winner.

For example: With the right prop, I was able to raise my engine from cavitation plate just below the keel to 1 3/4 inch above it (and I'm not done yet), Speed increased a satisfying 6 mph.

Jeff

 

[jsaylor]

Boat is a 21 footer, weights about 3k dry. Looks like I'll raise it up to at least level with the keel. You don't think it would make much difference getting on plain? right now it jumps out of the hole real good even when it's trimmed out.
Thanks all for your help.

 

[fastjeff]

Mine planes the same with the cav plate just under the keel to 1 3/4 inches above. Give it try.

Jeff

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Cav plate must be level with bottom of the keel, will not affect your hole shot.

 

[fastjeff]

"Level" usually means parallel to the keel (ie: if you put a level on the keel, the cav plate would also be level).

Jeff

 

[jsaylor]

Thanks all, I'll raise it up