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Help slow down my 259!

fast94persuader

Well-known member
Ok I know that's something most of us don't usually say but to justify keeping my boat I need to make it more family friendly. I want to make it ride and handle better between 30 and 50 mph. Top speed isn't a factor. Right now in that range it has the checkmate bounces really bad. From what I have reason here I think it's worse than some. The prop is a 24 bravo 4blade. As soon as the boat noses over the prop lets go. When driving slow , the only thing I can do is drag the tabs and adjust the throttle constantly as the prop hooks up and then unloads back and forth. With the tabs down the boat turns like it's going to flip over. The only reason I want to do this is because my son is only going to be a few months old when we start boatin and to keep the peace and for safety, running 55+ like I usually do is something I need to change. What do you all think? Should I try like a 22 pitch high 5? Or how about a bigger 4 blade. With more cup and diameter? I'm going to keep a high speed prop too but indeed to make things safer for my boy. Thanks!
 
I would try a 5 blade prop. A high 5 might bee too small of a diameter seeing as it is meant mostly for O/B use. If you can borrow one, try it for sure. If you had to buy one, I would try a 5 blade Maximus or Hydromotive. If top end doesn't matter, I thing adding blades to keep bite would be your ticket. You can get the Maximus with a shortened diffuser ring to help settle the stern.
 
Hey fast94.
I realize this is gonna sound stupid since Ive seen numerous threads
on here concerning the dreaded Checkmate bounce.
All I know is that I cant even think about triming untill I get well above
40mph or it bounces real bad and most time I wait till around 50
before I trim. And I realize my 251 is not the same as your 259 but I
run a Bravo 1 26 labed with very little tab.
 
The hop is not a big deal we've all talked about it. I'm more worried about planing at slower speeds and keeping more of the boat out of the water at slow speeds so it handles better and so I don't have to drag the tabs especially with 6 people on the boat.
 
The prop is not breaking loose, at that speed the boat is tring to get on top of the water and ride. It climbs up then falls back off, thats why when you increase your speed it stops bouncing.

A checkmate does not plow the water like some boats, they want to jump on top and ride, thats good for speed but sucks at the mid speed.. Trim, tab, throttle, and seat time is the only cure..

If your prop is looseing grip the engine would rev up like a clutch slipping..
 
The prop is not breaking loose, at that speed the boat is tring to get on top of the water and ride. It climbs up then falls back off, thats why when you increase your speed it stops bouncing.

A checkmate does not plow the water like some boats, they want to jump on top and ride, thats good for speed but sucks at the mid speed.. Trim, tab, throttle, and seat time is the only cure..

If your prop is looseing grip the engine would rev up like a clutch slipping..

It revs up and down without changing speed
 
I have experienced that on my 253 right when it settles onto plane. The prop does get some slip to it right above minimum planing speeds then settles in when you pick up a few mph. That was with a 24p Bravo I.
 
Once again, I'm going to bring this up.....and most likley get made fun of (or at least 'thought' stupidly of)....BUT I have had my Convincor for 7 years, and when I bought it, it porpoised really bad. I didn't have the 'seat time' because it was a new boat. I installed a Stingray Hydrofoil:sssh: and it works. That was when the boat was stock and ran 55mph, now it runs low 70's and I still have it on. I have expiermented with AT LEAST 10 different props, lengthened my tabs another 8 inches(no help), took the stingray off and on.......final setup is a 26 Bravo One with the stingray installed, and factory length tabs. I notice no top speed difference with it on or off, but the cruiseability is much more enjoyable and it planes faster. It is still a "drivers boat", you still have to adjust trim and tabs, just a little less and much less porpoising or bouncing. I know its not something you see on performace boats, and yea its a little embarassing to say i have it, but it works for me. I do also agree that seat time is a big factor, because these boats ARE drivers boats, unlike a baja or other beginner boats.
 
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