02 pantera 3

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 6 months ago by tae73.

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November 19, 2008 at 6:33 pm #296605

firfighter27
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Just bought a 02 pantera 3 with a 200 optimax. Ran good first time i took it out with average hole shot with 2 people and full gas tanks. The second time i took it out it was sluggish and would not come out of the hole with 2 people. It has a 25 pitch tempest on it and has a hydrolic jackplate in wich i move all the way down when starting out. This is my first real bassboat so am still learning but am assuming must be something with the motor since it did fine the first time out and now is acting sluggish. Jus wandering if anyone has any idea what the problem could be bought the boat from a dealership so know the compression and stuff like that is fine. Also any advice on best way too use the hydrolic jack plate would be useful since have no experience with one.

November 19, 2008 at 6:56 pm #296606

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

WE think you have probably loaded your gear in the boat now and are experiencing the weight effects on the rig. First we think a 25 Tempest is too much on most P3 models, though some preferred it. Your previous owner may have been one who liked the performance of the Tempest in a 25. We would upgrade the propeller to the newer Fury in a 24 series. Also you could consider a cross swap for a 24 Tempest, though the ultimate fix on this is a Fury which was not available in 2002. Once you weigh down a rig all things change, and we think that may be your experience here. There are other things you can do with the PVS plugs and venting. That could help while we feel a Fury would fix it. BCB

November 19, 2008 at 7:11 pm #296607

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Yea thanks for the fast reply but have the same amount of gear as the first time. From what i have read a 24 seems to be a good fit so will look into that for sure but am just hoping its not something with the motor but am going to take it and get it looked at to be sure. Thanks for the fast reply

November 19, 2008 at 7:15 pm #296608

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It could be fuel and you may try going to Premium to offset the recent ethanol concerns. BCB

November 19, 2008 at 7:21 pm #296609

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

That seems like that could be possible as it seems the motor is not quite opening all the way up like it did the first time. Is it best to start with the jack plate all the way down and then bring it up some as i have no experience with them.

November 19, 2008 at 8:11 pm #296610

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Apparently you have a hydraulic plate, and engine height should not be moved once you find the optimum setting. The lower engine height will reduce hole shot, and an engine too high will cause ventilation. Engine height is critical on a P3 model. Find where it comes out best, mark it and run it there, or return it to that position prior to take off. BCB

November 19, 2008 at 8:59 pm #296611

fishn4bass
Participant

Firfighter,I have a 2000 PIII with a 200opti,I run my motor 3-1/4″below pad,I do run a 25p temptest with two large pvs plugs and 1 small hole plug.I run a heavy boat,Im 240lbs,and with two people and gear mine comes out of the hole quickly,and will run 69 on the gps,Check your motor height first.Like BCB stated the 24p fury might be a better prop for your rig.You have to play around with the height and prop venting until you find the right setup.Good Luck

November 19, 2008 at 10:51 pm #296612

firfighter27
Participant

Will play around with the jackplate more friday and see what i can get it to do thanks for the advice I really do appreciate it.

November 20, 2008 at 12:40 pm #296613

firfighter27
Participant

Looked at the vent holes which i guess are the holes between the blades and 2 of them i can stick my finger in and one has a rubber peice in it. Any more information on venting and PVS plugs would be helpful.

November 20, 2008 at 1:38 pm #296614

tae73
Participant

Here you go, from Mercurys website http://sites.mercurymarin…portal&_schema=PORTAL
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