Yes I agree something is not right. The tempest 23p basically feels like it’s maxed out at 55-56MPH. The day my prop threw a blade a prop guy looked at it at the docks and mentioned I got lucky the shaft was not damaged. And all he did was spin the prop. I’ll maybe take the prop to the shop and get it checked.
Paul, how much trim are you using to get to 5700 RPM? Your rooster tail should be no higher than top of the cowling of your motor. The Sabre does not take much trim, you will loose speed if your over trimmed. I can not turn a 24P Fury 3 or 24P Fury 4 with my 150 Pro XS and get the RPM you are getting.
Engine height is all about steering torque and water pressure. If you have steering torque to the left, you are to high. You also need to watch your water pressure, the 150 Optimax motors do not have low water pick ups, you raise the motor too high you will loose water pressure especially in turns. 3/8″ above flush is ok if you meet the parameters above
Can you explain steering torque? I don’t think I’ve witnessed it. I feel like I can turn pretty easily. I usually trim down during turning for better bite.
As far as water pressure… is 15-20 psi considered good pressure running at 5500 RPMs?
The torque is felt in the steering wheel when putting left steering inputs or trying to turn left. To much steering torque will make it feel very hard to turn the wheel left. When the JP height is correct, you will have slight left steering torque. If you have no torque, or a loose feeling, the JP normally is to low. Keep in mind, this is when the boat is at its upper speeds, on pad, and trimmed properly. (Rooster tail not above engine cowl)
Ok thank you very much. I’ve never really noticed the steering torque I will pay more attention to it next time I head out. In the meantime I’m going to have a shop check the integrity of my prop as well.
Brian said his 23 Tempest ran 62 ish. I watched a YouTube video of a guy with a Sabre and an older regular 150 Opti. He had a power pole and 1/2 fuel. 23 Tempest was on plane in about 3 seconds. In a very light chop he was running about 60. Check that prop for sure, and check your lower unit oil. I’d try that 25 Tempest too. If you can turn it on top end, it should run at least 65 mph.
Paul, something is not right here. With the 23 Tempest running 56 MPH at 5600 to 5700 RPM with your 1.87 gear ratio, you have 16 to 17 % slip. You should be no more than 10% slip and set up correctly even lower.
Which hole on the motor is used to mount the motor to the jack plate? There are 5 holes, mine is mounted using the second hole from the top. Everything you are describing indicates your motor is too low and you are using too much trim.
Ok I will check where the motor is mounted as soon as I can. And as far as trim, I’ve heard of over trim. How would one know if the motor is over trimmed?
Ok here is a picture of my mount and jack plate. I’m already scheduled to send my prop out for reconditioning and balancing this week. Also ordered is a new brand new torq hub and medium PVS plugs. My gear oil appears to be within normal limits.
Paul, your motor looks to be mounted in the second hole which is normal. Your jack plate setting also looks ok as long as you do not have excessive torque and water pressure is 12 PSI or above. I prefer 15 to 20 like you mentioned you are getting. As long as you are not getting too much ventilation with the large plugs coming out of the hole (it will act like the prop is slipping) then the medium plugs will reduce ventilation and possibly slow down your hole shot. It is all trial and error, every boat is different depending load. My recommendation for a person to work your prop is Ronnie Gilbert 337-380-1437. He is very knowledgeable with BassCat hulls and will know how to best tune your prop for your set up.
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