Vector Setup

Hi Randy,

Have an '84 Vector with a '97 200 Merc tweaked to about 280 (many mods obviously).  The setup is fine.  The problem I have (I think) is the 4" CMC hydraulic lift.  The boat handles poorly at slow speeds, and the balance just isn't there with a full load.  On a stretch of straight water, she's a rocket, but turning is out of the question, and when stopped, or idling forward the aft of the boat is 1" away from being submerged.  I have run the motor the highest the jack will allow, and don't know what to do.  I have heard that Marine Engineering used to make a 2" hydraulic jackplate that alleviated much of the issues I am currently having.  Just can't seem to find one of those.  Do you know of anyone who would make a manual of permanent 2" setback, and in your opinion would it help?  Would just bolting the motor onto the transom give me better handling and balance?  Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Ken Lippold
Milwaukee, WI

Ken, 

    Bolting the motor to the transom works. I did one 10 years ago with the motor bolted as high as the mount holes allowed. With a 28 cleaver, it ran in the mid 90's. A 15" center would really be sweet on that rig. The handling would improve tremendously. As you go closer to the transom, you don't have to run the motor as high. That will help the situation from where you are. The boat will run in the 90's with the prop shaft 1 1/2" below the pad. The handling and balance will be good with the engine at that height.

    Try some of these and see how your boat goes. 

Please submit whatever questions you have to IHRTechTalk@yahoo.com.  All questions and answers selected will be displayed on this page as they come in.  Note: though all boaters are welcome, priority may be given to I.H.R. members.  Randy can not be held responsible for any advice given.  Though his information and expertise is second to none, he has no control over what you do with your boat.  It is up to you to boat safely and act responsibly, and his advice is only to be used as a guidance for your high performance boat/motor of which you are the one responsible for the risks involved.

Thanks,
Mark C.

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