need help with 2003 xpress set up

mattorschell · July 16, 2007, 10:00:11 PM

I have a 2003 xpress x19 with a 2003 merc 200EFI, it has a four blade 24 pitch prop and a hi jacker pro jack plate. I am only getting 58 MPh on the gps. I feel I should get 68MPh, anyone with an xpress please help.

BassBUFF · July 17, 2007, 08:38:48 PM

What kind of RPMs are you getting at WOT with that prop?

mattorschell · July 18, 2007, 12:38:54 AM

I am turning 5800 rpm's , speed 58.7 GPS. I have no idea on motor height or inches below pad becouse I do not know how to measure it.

BassBUFF · July 18, 2007, 08:52:53 PM

RPMs look OK. Let's find that propshaft to pad measurement.

Level the very bottom of the boat (also called the keel or pad) and then level your motor's anti-cavitation plate (the flat part just above the Lower Unit. Now, measure the distance from the keel/pad to the ground and write it down. Next, measure from the center of your prop-shaft to the ground. Subtract the prop to ground measurement from the keel/pad to ground and voila, you have your prop to pad measurement. It's probably between 2-5inches.

I don't really know what your Express should be running with this set-up, but I'm thinking low to mid 60's should be attainable.

Are you trimming it out as it comes on plane? Are you running out of trim before it really gets going? Just some more info to add to the equation.

mattorschell · July 19, 2007, 01:32:40 AM

Yes, i am trimming it out once on plane. i am trimming it untill i reach 5800 RPM's and some one told me that the water roost should be just over the motor when looking back ( I dont know if that is true)

BassBUFF · July 19, 2007, 06:22:55 AM

They're right, it should be anywhere between just below to just above as a rule of thumb. Different hulls like different set-ups, so your end results might be different.

mattorschell · July 19, 2007, 08:14:21 AM

It ia about 4" below pad.

BassBUFF · July 19, 2007, 10:11:35 PM

Sounds a little low to me. Try bringing it up 1/2" at a time while closely monitoring your water pressure and RPMs. Don't let your WP fall below 12psi @ WOT.

You're looking to gain speed at each upward step. You'll gain RPMs too. At the point where you DO NOT gain any more speed and you're just gaining RPMs, back it down a 1/4" and that should be your sweet spot for this set-up.