Z8 w/250 Pro XS

[RichmondVa]

looking for some help with my Z8.  I've had it now for a year and have fished pretty often both for fun and in tournaments.  The motor runs great however, I can't get it to run above 69-70 mph before it tacks out.  Everything I read on this combo says I should be able to see mid 70's even higher.  I've tried every adjustment and height setting on the jackplate I could but nothing is making a difference.  Do you guys have any suggestions?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.   

[BHubb]

Have you tried a different prop and what pitch are you running now?  If you have no problems with water pressure you have the RPM's and could try a higher pitch prop. 

[LaRoper]

Send Mike Bush a PM. He helped me out a bunch. See string under High Performance Bass Boats/torque at high speeds. But it does sound like you are running a 25 pitch prop. What are your RPM's when at max?

[RichmondVa]

I have a 26 pitch prop that came with the motor. Max Rpms are right at 5700-5800

[LaRoper]

See where you have raised your plate, how high? Weight in boat, fuel load, live wells? RPM's are not bad, could push to 6k, but this will only give you a few MPH at best.
Check your hot foot, make sure you are using you complete throttle travel. Just have someone step on the hot foot while you observe the travel on the throttle cam.

[RichmondVa]

Right now the jack plate is sitting on 2.75.  That is the best ride I've been able to find at 5800rpms.  Any time I hit 6000, the motor shuts down.  That is not a good feeling when you are going 68-70mph. I run a light load.  You could put all of my tackle in a standard 3700 tackle bag.  When on the water, there is usually myself and a partner, his tackle, & 3/4 of a tank to start.  I'm guessing I'm missing something and any help you guys can provide would be appreciated. 

[LaRoper]

Shutting down at 6K, somethings is wrong there, your rev limit should be 6.3 if I remember correctly, check the Mercury Manual, and it should alarm. Maybe your tach is off a bit or you are blowing out on the prop. My plate is at 3.00 right now, exact same boat as yours, I have hit 74 so far, but this is with 1/4 tank fuel, empty live wells and just me and gear onboard. You may want to look into props.
Bring your problem up in the High performance Bass boats topic, you will most likely get more reply's there.

[bassackwards]

I've got the exact same set up. Cant break the 70mph mark either. From what Ive read we should be able to get it to 75+ without an issue.

[Ntewing]

Hello all.  I am new to bass boat ownership and just bought a 2014 z8 (but new from Bass Pro) with a 250 Pro Xs.  To try to avoid frustration, any advice on the best all around set up as far as prop size and jack plate height?   This is my first bass boat so I apologize for being completely clueless