Voyager/Merc 200 Setup

I just purchased a 1984 Voyager with stock 1984 200 Mercury engine on it. Engine runs great and GPS 67.4 first time out with 4 blade 25 pitch prop.

The questions I have are this. What can I do to get more top speed? How much setback for optimum speed? I have a 10 in manual plate that I removed from an STV. Would this be too much? Also what prop shaft height is optimal? I have the stock lower unit on it now, but will replace with a CLE if there is 3 or more MPH gain to be realized as a result.

The boat is very solid and looks brand new. It has stayed in an air-conditioned shop all its life when not on the water. 

Thank you for your help
David Bunn

David, 

The CLE will run slower than the stock case. The 10" plate would help, but that is a lot of setback - 6" - 8" would be nicer as the boat won't squat as much. Prop shaft will need to be higher with the long setback. This does not mean it would be faster though. The 70 - 72 mph range is the norm for your boat/motor. A 6" plate with the prop shaft 2" below should put you there.  

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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