Effect of props on chinewalk?

Bill, my boat and setup is very similar to yours being an 08 Cougar FTD DC with a Pro XS 250. In the cooler months i run a 26 Fury and a 25 in the hotter weather. I am by no means an expert on this topic but I really do not believe from my experience that a Prop (especially a Fury) has much to do with “Chine” at all. It is my experience that it is MUCH MORE about engine height. When I first got my boat it was as wild as a “March Hair” on the upper end right about where you are having issues. Once I got my engine to the “right” height (what I am comfortable with) I have not had any issues with Chine since. Could it crank out a little more speed…YES…but I am much more about comfort and stability. I figure with me , my gear and 1/2 tanks of fuel 79.6 GPS is plenty fast with my 26 Fury.I would say lower your engine at 1/4″ increments and find the “sweet spot” (for you) and I think you will find your Cougar performing just as good as any other.Jmtfrisco, Texas

Bill- I will be bringing a 25P fury with me to the sebcog next week. I sold it to keith, though im sure he will have no problem putting it on your rig to make a few passes with it on thurs, though i truly believe the 25 is too small for the 250 especially with the cooler weather on the way. Motor height has got to be the issue here. The Puma hit 76.1 yesterday at 5700 rpms (94 degrees as you know) with about five more “clicks” of full trim to go. Once i get used to the bowlift created of this hull and able to trim it out and go WOT it should very easily be an 80 mph rig, especially this fall. We will get you set up right eventually. It was good to see you out there yesterday.

Billius,I have an 08 Cougar FTD w/ 250pro xs. I am running a 26p Trophy. Jackplate is a hair lower than flush. 2 guys, tournament load, 3/4 full on fuel. hitting 76MPH all day today. I have had this boat to 81 MPH in the spring. I have read all of the comments and advice concerning chine walking on this board and I think the guys that talk about subtle left pressure on the steering wheel explain it best. It is definately a rythym type motion you get into when steering. I have also found that I over trim more times than not or I trim up too fast. A nice chop on the water makes it much easier for me. I find myself over steering on glass water. My intention when I bought this boat was to buy a Fury and use this Trophy as a spare but I dont see the need. 81MPH was a Puckering experience and the only need for me to run at that speed was just to be able to say I could run at that speed. 76MPH beats 99% of the guys I fish against and that is just fine with me.

Just thinking outside the box… maybe your problem is weight distribution and balance especially left/right balance…I would think that your experience with the “T” boat would make you an excellent chine driver…Also the solution for T” boats was usually raising the plate….

As far as weight goes. I carry my rain gear, a very small tool box, and a spare set of rain gear in my front compartment. My second compartment “the big hole” has over twenty falcon boxes, a worm bag, and two spinner bait boxes. 8-10 rods in the passenger side rod locker, life jackets, push pole, net, front seat, bumpers, and lure retriever in the drivers side. Thats what I carry up front. I have myself convinced that keeping the fuel in the rear tanks as even as possible helps with the chine, but think that is in my head. The only other fast boat “99 Cougar w 225 Johnson” I have owned was much harder to control the chine on. Now was that the boat or the in experience on my part 10 years ago?