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Just starting to look at my Sabres set up with regards to engine height and how it handles. My first measurement revealed 3.75 below the pad but after leveling the trailer some more it looked closer to 4.00 inches below the pad. Its an 06 w/150 opti. 23 p Tempest.BCB as already recommended I raise that a tad.I mentioned in an earlier post that I was getting 5380 RPMs and 61 mph (gps) at wot. And a little walking at that point which I know I need to learn to correct. Would some Sabre owners care to chime in here and tell me what their numbers and set-up look like?
I had an 03 w/ a 150xr6 and with a tempest prop it ran best at about 3.5″ below pad and with a trophy prop it ran best around 3.75″ below pad. I would raise my motor until I started getting steering torque when running and then I would drop it back down about 1/4″ and that should be real close. I try to keep mine running as high as possible without having steering torque when Im on plane and trimmed. I also had the same propblem as you with not being able to drive my boat at first, but after I learned…..man what a difference it made in the speed and rpms. Hang in there and just get some seat time and maybe someone that can help you and you will be fine. After you get the hang of it, then youll be running WOT and driving the boat just fine and almost not even noticing the walking. It almost just comes natural.
Milt My boat is running the same as yours I dont have a jp I also havent learned to drive the chinewalk. Too excited to wet the line than drive the boat long enough to teach myself 07 Sabre 150 opti. Chris
Getting your line in the water does pose an impediment to solving the seat time thing!! But as dry and hot as it has been in KY/IN I might as well just leave the rods at home. Probably not…
I have 2003 Sabre, with a 175 Merc Opti the motor is one hole up on the trans, running 23 trophy 4 blade, do not have jack plate, no hydralic, I live in Phoenix, AZ. we run our boats at at 1000 to 3000 ft. above sea leavel, at Roosevelt Lake and the temp. over 100 degrees, I run 62 mph at 5600 RPMwith a full load, the cable steering works fine I see no need for Hydralic. I Love my Sabre……
Thanks for your reply to my post Milt. I have 30k as a budget for my boat, by the time I get a classic with the extras the sabre ftd offers, i am sure I would be above the 30k mark easy. Plus, the deck of the sabre ftd is really nice. I dont tournment fish at the moment and thought about going used, but I am first time bass boat buyer and a buddy of mine bought a used boat not too long ago (earlier this summer) and he has had to replace batteries, trolling motor and had to have some minor repair work to the motor. This makes me a little nervous about buying used. I dont think I will put a ton of hours on the boat, but when I use it, it will nice to know that everything will be in working order (knock on wood). Didnt mean to distract for your original post, just wanted you to know I appreciate your input.-Lee
lreddmann,Dont worry about the original post. Your story is mine almost exactly just about a year ago this time. First time bass boat buyer and all…If you can get the FTD at your budget you will have done good. As I said earlier, 1 year later and no buyers remorse. You will be proud of your purchase. Beware if you are married, just tell her there is going to be a new honey in town!
Milt I am going through the same thing. I can hit WOT for a few seconds and then have to back off for the chime walk and I do like to wet the line also. I have a 04 Sabre with a Mercury 150 XR-6 and hit 64.9 GPS at 5700 rpm and no jack plate.. I think that it hit a little higher but was using a hand held GPS strapped to the middle seat and would not look down for too long while trying to tame the chime walk.My wife got mad at me last night when she saw that I had taken pictures of the boat, she that I had more of the boat than our baby girl. LOLElwoodElwood…..Bass Cat Proud
I have an 08 sabre with 175 opti proxs. Im still in the tail end of break and have wot for a moment here and there. The motor is factory set with manual jack. Prop is a three blade what ever it came with the opti. How do i determine engine height? I have got to about 60-62 so far. Im hoping to get upper 60 or better somehow? Ideas anyone. Also the boat is dual concil, full tank, gear, and partner. Are my expectations unrealistic?
You are not being unrealistic once you get things figured out with a 175 Pro XS. The one at the meeting would run in the upper 60s with a fair load. We are sure that some will run into the 70s and expecting upper 60s possibly should be the range. BCB
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