Help with Sabre set up

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 6 months ago by sabreski.

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December 2, 2009 at 6:05 pm #450019

chopperwolf
Participant

Hello all, This is my first boat so Im learning as I go.I have a 06 Sabre w/ an 08 Merc Optimax 150, the prop is a Turbo Lightning 23p. I have been reading posts of people getting in the lower to mid 60s, I have never been able to break 59, thats with me alone, and I weigh 160 lbs, half a tank of fuel and glassy water no wind. I,ll post a pic of where the jack plate is set (I believe its at 1″above level). I was hoping someone could give me tips on what to do, or if I need a better prop, or anything else. Thanks in advance, Rick

December 2, 2009 at 6:39 pm #450020

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The pitch on the prop is probably correct, but I am not sure about the turbo. If it were a tempest or trophy I would say it is not the prop. If you are refering to the inner plate being 1″ higher on top then that sounds too high. Most seem to be close to flush on top from what I have read. I would first try lowering the motor down about 1″ if I am understanding you correctly. Then maybe get your hands on another prop also. You should be seeing a little better speeds by yourself.

December 2, 2009 at 6:41 pm #450021

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We are not sure how a Turbo Lightening runs, though we have not been overly fond of Precision Propellers since the mid 80s. Since then we have felt there were better applications. That sounds like a rig we heard of a few years ago in Georgia. Though it may not be the same one. The best advice we will give is to try a Mercury propeller and then lets play with some engine height. BCB

December 2, 2009 at 8:23 pm #450022

Jstew
Participant

I have a Merc Tempest 24p on my 07 Sabre w/ 150efi and am happy with the performance for the most part. I typically see a consistent 63 by myself and 60 with a partner – rpms around 5700. My question to BCB – Is there a prop to pad or other engine height measurement that you have found to be optimal.Last edited by jstew on December 2nd, 2009, 8:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

December 2, 2009 at 8:59 pm #450023

onebgfish
Participant

I have an 09 Sabre with a 150EFI,23 pitch Trophy.I have tried all plate settings and the best for me is one quarter inch up above flush.I weigh 225 and by myself with tackle and half a tank run 68mph at around 5400-5500RPM.I do not have gps but I know from previous boats I am hauling butt,dont need to go any faster ,almost had a Sturgeon take my head off the other day when he jumped I was WOT,Iducked and he missed by inches except scratching my cowl up

December 2, 2009 at 9:27 pm #450024

Jstew
Participant

You need to get a gps. They may be small – but theyre heavy suckers- theyll slow a boat down 5-7mph every time. At 0% slip – youre doing 63. At 8% – youre doing 58. Ive wondered how the trophys do on our Sabres. I see them alot on the Panteras and up – but never on a Sabre. I know they like high plate settings. How is your water pressure running at that height? When I get much over 1/8th inch above flush I can easily overtrim and loose pressure in turns. I have to really trim to my WP gauge. When I first got my Sabre – I was getting 63 gps with a partner right after break-in. Now, with about 60-80 hours on the powerhead it peaks out at 60 with a partner. The rpms are essentially the same – so the difference has to be slip. The prop is in perfect shape thanks to a trip to Mark Croxtons shop. Ive fiddled with the plate and cant seem to get it back to the original “sweet spot” and was wondering if theres a setting where they typically set them from the factory.

December 2, 2009 at 10:16 pm #450025

chopperwolf
Participant

Any suggestions on the prop, Fury, Tempest, Trophy? Also, should I change the pitch? I guess top speed is what I am going for.

December 2, 2009 at 10:23 pm #450026

dblplasabre
Participant

jstew- I just picked up the Trophy so i will let you know when I run it next. It probably wont be until the springtime since I just winterized my boat yesterday. Possible snow tonight and tomorrow in Illinois. Maybe we can meet up at the OI and you can try it on your boat.Chopper- I am running the 24 tempest prop right now and seeing 63ish consistently with full load. I have a 150 Etec HO so I think it is running higher HP then a 150 Opti. I am assuming you have a regular Sabre. Jstews setup is pretty close to yours, so he should have more info than me.

December 2, 2009 at 11:02 pm #450027

LA Elwood
Participant

I have a XR-6 and can turn the 24 Fury to the limiter with just me in the boat. Im seeing 67-68 with just me and 63-64 with a partner and empty livewells. If you can turn the Fury, it will give you the best all round performance out of all of the props. I have run a 23 Tempest, 24 Fury, 23 Trophy, and 25 Tempest.Good luckElwoodElwood…..Bass Cat Proud

December 2, 2009 at 11:08 pm #450028

sabreski
Participant

Congrats on your Sabre purchase! I think you should try a 23″tempest plus or possibly a 24″tempest plus these are 3 blade mercury props and will be your best bet. John
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