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Virage/300 ProMax Setup
Randy,
I recently purchased a 1990 Virage turbo, I also purchased a 1999 300
promax for the stern and was hoping you could help me out. I want to use
the boat for an all around boat as well as a speed king. I plan to have a
few different props (speed, towing, and a compromise between the two). My
hope is that you can give me some advice. I assume that set back will be
the same as you recommended Ron (7"-8") - what about the lower
unit brand and gear ratio? The best props for my intended use? Would you
recommend hydraulic steering? What about reinforcing the transom? Any
particular brand or type of hydraulic jackplate that you have found to
work better? There are probably a ton of things I forgot to ask so
please feel free to enlighten me about anything else you think I should
consider when rigging up my Virage. Thanx.
Jared Bright
Jared,
First off, a 300 on the Virage is going to be a hard boat to balance. 7 -
8" of setback is way too much. The motor you have is heavy, 2 1/2 +
4" maximum. Too far back and the boat will have handling problems. If
you find you need a lot of set-back, your setup needs work. A Sportmaster
with a 1:75 to 1 ratio would be ideal, but most likely you have the 1:62
ratio. Hydraulic steering would work, but it is a little harder to control
the chinewalk with it. I hate hydraulic plates because of the fact sooner
or later, they leak down. All boats and setups have a sweetspot or magic
spot, so to speak. Hydraulic plates tend to leave you fiddling all the
time and not running at the best spot. I know, people say they help you
find the best spot. I say manual ones do exactly the same and now you can
spend the extra money on props or gauges. If you keep the set-back
reasonable, the transom should be more than strong enough. We have been
using 26-27 and 28" trophy 4 blade props on most 3 litre setups. They
get on plane and run as fast as most any prop. The Bravo I - 4 blade props
work good also, but need 1" plus vent hole drilled in to come on
plane. A car-plate planing device will be a requirement to keep the boat
from running bow high on take-off. This should get you going.
Randy
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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