Bass Boats/Props -

Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4 MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph? As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.

Pat -

Thanks a lot for the information; that's exactly the type of info that will
help me decide if it's worth it.

Regards,

Jim

"Pat Goff @yahoo.com" pmgoffjrbot wrote in message
...
You always want your potential out of your boat, if it's 25 or 75, don't
let
the rail monkeys tell you otherwise.

I sold nitros for a couple of years and rigged more than a few 882s. It's
a
tweaky hull, and there are a few things you can do to help it out.

Tracker usually rigs that boat with a 23 Tempest, which isn't a bad
choice,
but not optimum.

Normal tweak on an 882 is a 23 TRO4 Powertech, raise motor to top hole on
jackplate, install a T&H holeshot plate, torque tab and you've just about
done everything you can. This should run you up to 5,700 rpms, quicker
holeshot, take the wheel torque out, and give you your 63-65 mph you're
looking for.

http://www.trackerowners.com/nitroowners/ Lot's of Nitro owners here, and
most are more than helpful. You won't get bashed for owning a nitro here
like you will on other bass boat sites.


"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.

Read all the replies. One fellow claims that hull can be setup / tweaked
for better performance. I have played with a lot of tweaks on my own boats,
spent a lot of money, and really not gain a a whole lot myself.

--
** Public Fishing and Boating Forums
** www.YumaBassMan.com


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, it was about 60 with two anglers, 1/4 tank of gas, livewells full,
and
more gear than in a fishing shop. I guess it's doing pretty good,
considering.


"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
64-65 with a driver, half tank of gas, and no gear. If you are loaded
and
getting 60 your boat is propped just right.

--
** Public Fishing and Boating Forums
** www.YumaBassMan.com


"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Thanks.

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
Read all the replies. One fellow claims that hull can be setup / tweaked
for better performance. I have played with a lot of tweaks on my own
boats,
spent a lot of money, and really not gain a a whole lot myself.

The guy that made that claim, Pat Goff has probably forgotten more about
performance boating than you and I will ever know. I've met him and he's
VERY knowledgable to say the least.

When Pat talks boats, I listen!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
This weekend's tournament was held on Toho, on the Kissimmee chain of
lakes.

It's a looong run to the south end of Kissimmee, from the city park on
Toho
where the tournament began.

The south end of Kissimmee is where the bass were caught.

I tried staying in Toho, and blanked.

That's why I'm trying to optimize my rig. Even if I am able to get a
few
more MPH out of it, I understand that the 21 footers with the 250's and
300's are going to leave me in their wake; but it will extend my own range
and fishing time.

And, as I don't have a spare prop for my boat yet anyway, why not try to
find one that gives a bit more 'oomph' while I'm at it?

That's sound reasoning in my estimation. I would feel naked going without a
spare prop. I haven't had to use one yet, but it's nice to know it's there.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

I have a 17' Ranger with a 115 that I bought used. The prop I got with it
is a 4 blade stainless that had a 21 inch pitch. I was getting about 48mph
top speed with my normal load of fuel, gear and 2 anglers. At the time I
was only getting about 5100 rpm where my motor is rated to go to 5500.
After discussing the situation with guys in my fishing club and a couple of
prop guys, I had the prop modified to lessen the pitch by one inch. The
cost was about $100 but I also had some minor dings removed and the like.
The end result was a max rpm of 5500, top speed of about 52 and twice the
hole shot. I think the real issue is weather or not your getting the full
rpm at top speed, often this will tell you if the pitch is right for your
setup. I think the general rule is when you reduce pitch by an inch you get
back 2 to 3 hundred rpm. Good luck.

Rich P


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4
MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that
figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.

Pooh......

"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
This weekend's tournament was held on Toho, on the Kissimmee chain of
lakes.

It's a looong run to the south end of Kissimmee, from the city park on
Toho
where the tournament began.

The south end of Kissimmee is where the bass were caught.

I tried staying in Toho, and blanked.

That's why I'm trying to optimize my rig. Even if I am able to get a
few
more MPH out of it, I understand that the 21 footers with the 250's and
300's are going to leave me in their wake; but it will extend my own
range
and fishing time.

And, as I don't have a spare prop for my boat yet anyway, why not try to
find one that gives a bit more 'oomph' while I'm at it?

That's sound reasoning in my estimation. I would feel naked going without
a
spare prop. I haven't had to use one yet, but it's nice to know it's
there.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Four over "factory" specs is reasonable, eight is not possible with a stock
powerhead.

I've setup and rigged about 30 or so 882's over the past two years, and some
guys liked the factory setup just fine, some didn't. The ones who didn't we
went to work on to find the optimum prop/motor height/accessory combo which
produced the best results.

I'm by no means saying this is the best possible, because someone might come
up with something even better, it's just my own experience with that
particular boat/motor combo.

I can also tell you what didn't work either, which can save some poor soul a
lot of time and money chasing down that elusive last mph.


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4
MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that
figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.

Pat, just so I'm clear on what you're saying, do you mean that 4mph over the
factory spec of 63-64 is possible?

I really appreciate your sharing your experience in this.

Right now, if I trim my current configuration for optimum speed, there's
significant torque on the steering wheel to the left, and the tach reads
4900-4950 (standard tach that came with the boat); and if I trim to
'steering neutral', the RPM's are at about 4800 and speed is at about 55.
This is with a tournament load, say 150-200 lbs gear and two anglers, in
typical lake conditions, not glass smooth at 64 degrees and whatnot that the
factory figures in their calcs.

Was checking my manual today, and Merc recommends a full throttle RPM range
of 5250 - 5750, with optimum being in the 'upper half' of that range. I'm
not getting anything like that at full throttle, which could be two things
(as I understand it): either an imperfect balance of load, trim and prop, or
perhaps the tach is not reading correctly.

From what I currently know (which admittedly isn't much) I would guess a
different prop pitch would help with boosting the full throttle RPM's into
the correct range as recommended by Merc. IIRC, my prop is the 23 tempest
you mentioned in a previous post.

Another question: the original dealer told me there was something that
could be adjusted on the prop itself, having to do with the exhaust holes
which could change the amount of slip in a holeshot, and was a way of
tweeking the prop. Does that sound like BS or is it true?

Thanks,

Jim
"Pat Goff @yahoo.com" pmgoffjrbot wrote in message
...
Four over "factory" specs is reasonable, eight is not possible with a
stock
powerhead.

I've setup and rigged about 30 or so 882's over the past two years, and
some
guys liked the factory setup just fine, some didn't. The ones who didn't
we
went to work on to find the optimum prop/motor height/accessory combo
which
produced the best results.

I'm by no means saying this is the best possible, because someone might
come
up with something even better, it's just my own experience with that
particular boat/motor combo.

I can also tell you what didn't work either, which can save some poor soul
a
lot of time and money chasing down that elusive last mph.


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4
MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that
figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to
see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.

Let's hope your tach is wrong, or you've got a sick engine.
A few guidlines on setting up your boat.
ALWAYS do your setups with a full load. Fill your gas, livewells,
equipment, two people. If you try to make adjustments on a light boat,
it'll fall on it's face with a load.

There is a difference between cold and hot weather, be prepared for your
boat to fall off when it begins to get in the high 80's.

If you can't drive it to it's potential, find somone who can and have them
teach you. Nothing is more frustrating than to have something you physically
can't use. This of course is if you didn't buy your boat from a dealer. If
you did, it is their responsibility to provide you with what you thought you
bought. Most tracker centers would rather eat dead flies than go to the
lake. (one of the biggest reasons I'm not there anymore)

Some things are a simple fix, remember 90% of your boats performance is the
prop and motor height. Other issues, like your wheel torque are actually
fairly easy to cure, torque tab for $20 and ten minutes and you're fixed.

There are owner sites for every bass boat built, someone there has what you
have and someone there will assist. It's a great world.
"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Pat, just so I'm clear on what you're saying, do you mean that 4mph over
the
factory spec of 63-64 is possible?

I really appreciate your sharing your experience in this.

Right now, if I trim my current configuration for optimum speed, there's
significant torque on the steering wheel to the left, and the tach reads
4900-4950 (standard tach that came with the boat); and if I trim to
'steering neutral', the RPM's are at about 4800 and speed is at about 55.
This is with a tournament load, say 150-200 lbs gear and two anglers, in
typical lake conditions, not glass smooth at 64 degrees and whatnot that
the
factory figures in their calcs.

Was checking my manual today, and Merc recommends a full throttle RPM
range
of 5250 - 5750, with optimum being in the 'upper half' of that range. I'm
not getting anything like that at full throttle, which could be two things
(as I understand it): either an imperfect balance of load, trim and prop,
or
perhaps the tach is not reading correctly.

From what I currently know (which admittedly isn't much) I would guess a
different prop pitch would help with boosting the full throttle RPM's into
the correct range as recommended by Merc. IIRC, my prop is the 23
tempest
you mentioned in a previous post.

Another question: the original dealer told me there was something that
could be adjusted on the prop itself, having to do with the exhaust holes
which could change the amount of slip in a holeshot, and was a way of
tweeking the prop. Does that sound like BS or is it true?

Thanks,

Jim
"Pat Goff @yahoo.com" pmgoffjrbot wrote in message
...
Four over "factory" specs is reasonable, eight is not possible with a
stock
powerhead.

I've setup and rigged about 30 or so 882's over the past two years, and
some
guys liked the factory setup just fine, some didn't. The ones who
didn't
we
went to work on to find the optimum prop/motor height/accessory combo
which
produced the best results.

I'm by no means saying this is the best possible, because someone might
come
up with something even better, it's just my own experience with that
particular boat/motor combo.

I can also tell you what didn't work either, which can save some poor
soul
a
lot of time and money chasing down that elusive last mph.


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4
MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that
figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to
see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding
propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra
4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.