Outboard height on transom...higher for better performance?

[Heartman]

My outboard is mounted using the very top holes on the mounting bracket. What kind of effect would raising the outboard a hole or two on the mounting bracket have on my performance? I run a 17' Yar-Craft, 75hp Bigfoot Merc tiller.

Would my speed increase, at the cost of losing tracking by having less of my lower unit in the water? I'm talking about raising it a total of 1" or 2" max.

[Valv]

I wouldn't do it, it's set for optimal performance for your boat.

I have a Crestliner 1750 with a 115hp Evinrude, I need to lower it to the top hole (I am currently one below top) since my bow will not raise as much as it should, boat will "plow" a little even when fully trimmed at WOT.

You can try, of course, it won't take much (be sure to silicone bolts very well) but I will guarantee you will put it back the way it is now.

[Black_Bay]

You're not going to get a ton of speed out of that outboard anyway. The lower gears of the bigfoot are great for getting out of the hole and pushing larger loads but not for speed. I'd leave it where it is.

[Heartman]

Thanks for the info, fellas. It appears it is what it is, and I'm going to be all right.

[marine_man]

Quote:

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The lower gears of the bigfoot are great for getting out of the hole and pushing larger loads but not for speed.

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Oops.. I completely missed this point on my first read. I'm a bit surprised to hear you've got a bigfoot on a boat - usually that's kind of a special apps / pontoon type of deal.

How does it work for you?

marine_man

[Heartman]

Works great - just wish it was a little faster. With 2 people and gear, I can get about 35mph, or so.

[Lund4Fish]

FYI-I needed to get more RPM's out of my motor, so I raised it (200HP on 1900 Pro-V) up 1 hole and it got me another 150 RPM's, but I couldn't really tell much difference on the top end speed. I first tried going up 2 holes, but that made it handle like a bass boat (not desirable in my book) and it only gained a couple MPH. It probably wouldn't hurt to experiment, but watch the RPM's and go with where it handles the best, just don't expect a big jump in MPH.

[Valv]

Quote:

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Oops.. I completely missed this point on my first read.

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Geeez...me too

[Shack]

As you can see (best picture I have), I raised my motor about 2”. I did gain 2-3 mph on top end and a little more control (turning) I use my boat more for the river, so the 2” help with rocks and such. The one thing I found was on Mill Lacs, I could raise my bow up in the air much higher than I could before. This helped with the 4’ waves I found my self in at times. I know it is a totally different boat and motor (not a Bigfoot), but it is what I found with mine.