79 exciter rigging

[justincase]

I have a 79 exciter 18 ft 86 merc 150 with a 21pitch ss and a 24 pitch ss and no jack whats the best i can do and what will make it better?

 

[hotdaddy27]

I would keep testing as many different props as you can, and I would raise the motor a hole or two on the transom.

Good luck.

 

[ndaniels]

I did have a 175 on the back of mine that was mounted to the transom when I purchased it. I added an 8" jackplate and a water pressure gauge over the 1st winter. It made a really big difference. I was turning a 23p laser2 a solid 66.5 on gps with that setup (two people and fuel). You can find used plates pretty cheap. I have the detwiler "on the water" manual plate, but will eventually want to go hydraulic. If money is really tight, I'd go with the suggestion in the above post. Keep us up to date on how its going.

 

[jallen355]

I did have a 175 on the back of mine that was mounted to the transom when I purchased it. I added an 8" jackplate and a water pressure gauge over the 1st winter. It made a really big difference. I was turning a 23p laser2 a solid 66.5 on gps with that setup (two people and fuel). You can find used plates pretty cheap. I have the detwiler "on the water" manual plate, but will eventually want to go hydraulic. If money is really tight, I'd go with the suggestion in the above post. Keep us up to date on how its going.

Yeah, surely never say "no" to trying a prop. Try every one you can get your hands on. Also, measure your prop height and find out how deep your currently running your motor. You want to get your engine up as much as possible, usually. There's always a sweet spot for any hull/motor/prop combo.

I would definatley recommend some setback. The Exciter needs about 8-10" of setback. I'm 9.5" back on mine and running about 1.5" below with no water pickup. I'd like to go higher, but I'm maxed out as far a keeping up H2O psi. Definatley need a water pressure guage before you start fooling around with engine hieghts.

You also need to have at least dual cable steering if you don't have it alredy. Hydrualic might even be better but also alot more $$. I simply replaced my helm with a dual cable issue and added a 2nd cable so it was very affordable safety enhancement that also improved handling at higher speeds.

 

[justincase]

ok thanks guys we will see what happens, ill keep you posted!

 

[merc245]

If funds are tight, Go over to screanandfly.com. You'll find hyd jacks,props,gages,ect,ect over there on its used parts thread.