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sabreski.
2010 Sabre FTD w/ 150 Merc Optimax (non XS) equipped with a 23 tempest all holes plugged. Have about 5 hours total run time currently on motor. Top speed w/ 2 average people per gps is 59-59.5 air temp about mid 80s. The jackplate is set with the inner plate just about flush with outer plate (factory setting). Very little chine starts occurring right at 58/59 but just a slight wobble that is extremely controllable with minimal input. Here is the real question I suppose. I currently can only reach 5400-5500 rpm and believe I really have to over trim to get that rpm. Per the smartcraft it is getting about 12.1-12.5 psi of water pressure. I know this is short of 5750 rpm max for the motor but most Merc mechanics say they like to see 15 psi at WOT. Any recommendations on if I should lower the motor some to get higher water pressure or should I try a 22p tempest prop to get RPMs up to 5600/5700. I know as cooler weather gets here I will probably gain RPM but my concern is in the summer it will reach nowhere near where it should be with say 95-100 degree temps. Also, I would like to get the water pressure up in the 15 psi range if possible.ThanksLarry
Larry I would definitely get the RPMs up on that Opti…ALL DFIs need to be propped to run at the Top Operating RPM, for efficiency and so it does not lag,producing carbon and really a bad thing for DFI. After your Break In period 10hrs, I would load her up as you would for fishing (normal load),wring her out,trim her out (not too far) cats like to be trimmed out (as Marty Stone pointed out,trim her out to the point of too far,then bump down twice and let her Eat!!)…..try that technique, typically you bump her down 2 trim clicks, You may need to try a different prop……Id try a Fury depending on your load….Your Signature …
Please do not trim it too much, though work your way up on the trim. Take slow bumps on the trim to achieve the desired performance. From our experience most every driver over trims a BCB. Bump it down and take it easy.BCB
BCB,I agree with not trimming it out too much. My issues are that with level trim the motor will turn 4900-5000 rpm. Now, if i bump it up 1 time it gets about 5100, 2nd bump 5200, 3rd about 5400. Still no rooster at this point but water exiting the rear of the boat and the boat feels loose and good. the only way to get more rpm is to trim it further which will get me to 5500 rpm but I feel at that point i am indeed overtrimmed. My question really is what to do about the rpm and water pressure. I know from my previous basscat boats that if i lower the motor i will lose some rpm and I am short of my target of 5600 or so as it is. Also, I believe the only way to increase the water psi is to lower the motor a little. Do you think I should go to a 22p tempest to get the rpm up? My concern is really not speed as 59-60 is decent but rather the rpm and water pressure.Thanks
Water pressure can require a set of side covers to divert more into the water pump. Your dealership should be able to help with that one.
BCB and Customer I was not meaning to “Try for a blow over” I just was Relaying what Ive been told by almost every Good BCB Driver….I would advise the Merc side scoops, then the motor can be elevated where the others can go once the package is mastered. I think JohnM17 has some terrific Merc/FTD setup knowledge,granted hes runnin the Big Boy 175 XS yet same principles will apply minus 1pitch less on the propping….Did not mean to interfere in the wrong way, my apologies. Your Signature …
Larry, I tried the scoops and did not like them. I took them off, lowered the motor to 1/8″ above factory level and it runs great. My set up is different than yours (standard Sabre 175proxs) and several folks at the cat factory do not like the scoops-Im not sure who the author above is. I wonder if the prop you have is “true” you may try another 23 tempest and see. I doubt you will be able to turn a 24 fury with the numbers you are reporting, make sure you carry as little weight as you can and move it to the back compartments. Only trim up as your speed increases and in slow bumps-on my guage it shows slightly above half-way, which is trimmed out pretty good. John S.
Sabreski,Thanks for the info. Your right Im sure it wouldnt turn the 24 Fury. Im curious if they will come out with a 23p Fury in the future. My area of concern is the water pressure. I wonder if it would reach 15 psi if I could turn the motor up to 5600-5700 rpm. The 23 tempest seems to be what most run with the 150 opti/sabre combination so Im curious what kind of rpms they are turning. And it could be that that what I have is not quite a true 23. I have read that the tempest is sometimes a little taller than what they are stamped
I dont know if this helps you but I have a 09 Sabre with a 09150 EFI,23 Trophy.My motor on my slidemaster is set one quarter above flush.I dont see a rooster tail either but I dont have to trim it much and turn 5500 to 56oo and reach 60 to 61 gps loaded.I did add the flipping deck which gave it a little more weight,usually have 20 gallons,water in well and boxes full of toys.
Larry, one thing not discussed was the impellor (not sure if spelled correctly) these are high pressure and will get weak just from sitting. I had mine replaced and could not believe the psi difference. I would replace once per season or 1 1/2 seasons. I spoke to the tech who did the work he advised every season because they do get weak. Routnine maintenience and inexpensive to see if it helps. I talked with Mike Lott (BCB sales rep) about a year or so ago and he mentioned seeing good results on a Sabre/efi 150 combo w/trophy prop mid to upper 60s-not sure if ftd though. John
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