Anyone run a 300ProMax on a Starflight?

[jrumon]

Curious if anyone has run a Merc 300 Promax on a Starflight 21 hull yet???

Speed, set-back, props, etc.???

[jrumon]

Curious if anyone has run a Merc 300 Promax on a Starflight 21 hull yet???

Speed, set-back, props, etc.???

[175checkmate]

That would be something. Twins would be cool also and you already have those.

[fnshrmaster]

Never have but I bet you will!I say go 300 X Jim,or re rig with twin 200s,trow the XRi on the sonic and be the first with a twin starflight.Whatever you put on the back,I want a ride!I loved that boat,and when you get tired of it in a few months let me know,I would love to have matching rides,one for the big lake and one for runabout duty!Have fun Rumonizing that 21!Merry Christmas http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[INXS]

I'll bet a 300X would push it about 88 MPH ?? They put out about 330 HP, with a good set-back and a Hyrd. jackplate? Maybe over 90??

[jrumon]

I'm thinking a good used 300 Promax...thinking AFFORDABLE!!! I know that 98-99 300's were a little soft on HP...actually about 280, but 2000-up ones made the real 300 ponies (it's in the ECM programing)... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/surf.gif

Seems I'm finding them used $6,500-$11,000 and just curious if anyone on the forum has done a Starflight with one yet... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[INXS]

Yes, Sake? from Holland had one rigged. Saddly his boat got in a accident and got totalled. I think he got about 84 to about 88 MPH from a promax, I don't believe it was a 300X. I've also seen one last about a yr. ago on the boat of the month noms..

[Drex]

I think Sake had a Pulsare

[jrumon]

Yea... Sake's was a SWEET PULSARE...until it turned into a 300HP weed-eater! (glad no-one was hurt)!!!

So here's my probable future choices
(being BUDGET minded...a good USED one)
300 ProMax...
280 Sport or Offshore...
250XS...

Anyone ever run (or hear of) ANY of these on a STARFLIGHT???

[Chris]

Did you guys see the Starflite Kunkels used to run with the 300 Johnnyrude in the mid 80's?

There's a pic around here somewhere. Not a Promax, but a V8. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Bubba]

Hello guys, yes a VERY VERY big weed eater hehe http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif i also owned a starflite and i know one thing she is a better ride for me, the chine is less much more easy ride than the pulsare, i think that littel step is great, i know she can handel the 300ore300x with out any problems, i love the starflite GREAT boat http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[JUPITER PULSARE]

BUBBA, NICE TO SEE YOU BACK!! MAYBE JRUMON CAN BUY YOUR OLD 300X IF IT IS STILL AROUND!!!!!

[jrumon]

Hey Sake... Haven't heard from you in a LONG time! Hope that bad boating experience didn't send you away from the water for long!

So what ever happened to the boat and motor after the crash??? Was it fixable, totaled, did you keep the motor or ??????? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Drex]

I think Craig on this board has a 300 Promax for sale. His Pulsare was also the victim of an accident. I think his Promax is a 2000 or 2001??

[jrumon]

Yea... I know Craig had it posted on S&F, but at $11,750 is well beyond what I have in mind... Plus, I'm CONCERNED being that the boat was hit so hard and slid down the road makes me wonder how the motor survived without injury (either internally or externally)??? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

I've found a few 300promax's under $8K, but I'd have to ship them... I have time to look and am sure something will come around soon enough!

Who knows...maybe that '92 2.5L 200XRi with my CLE lower and the 245hp hop-up mods will be good enough to satisfy the need for speed???

[INXS]

Sake, good to here from you again. I took your advice and went with a Bob's hydraulic Jack plate. Also got their nosecone with the low water pick-up. With the notched tramson it gives me a good foot of set-back. I also got a 4 blabe hydro motive prop, 25", which spins at the surface without any rooster tail. I'll get it blueprinted for next summer, it should spin about 5900 rpms. No Gps speeds yet as the prop went on the last day out but it handels great. I still would like to modify the motor up to about 265 hp but can't see doing it as long as it's running good! Maybe I'll run it had until it dies then get it modified?

[merc245]

don't wait till she blows its quite expense to rebuild a blown motor than to rebuild a tired motor.

[Craig]

jrumon,
By spring, I may be able to negotiate on the price some. Also, during the accident, the motor made it through untouched. It is spotless. This motor was ran half of the summer 2002, all of 2003, and only a couple times summer 2004. I estimate around 50-75 hours. I bought it brand new in June 2002, still "in the box" as a "left-over" never ran. This is why I am at the $11,750 price. I have not seen one out there in equal condition. There is not even a water spot on this motor, you can't tell I even had it in water. In the short time I used it, I changed spark plugs 3 times, L/U lube 3 times, and always ran Pennzoil 100% synthetic.

It pushed my Pulsare an honest 85 mph on gps, and I never ran it over 6100 rpms, usually right at 6000.

Give me your email and I can send pictures. Or if you have any questions. There are many, many guys that can attest to the condition of this motor and how it was cared for. This is the next best thing to brand new, although it is not an "X".

-Craig

[Craig]

Jrumon,
Also, yes the boat was hit hard, but still wouldn't compare to a rough ride on the river running in 2' chop. It purred like a kitten on the hose before I took it off the Pulsare.

-Craig

[Bubba]

thanks guys for that welcome,
jrumon i sold the compleet set, but i saw that the 2003 300x is for sale here in holland the are asking 16000 us dollar that is alot of money i know, but the engine is like new. if i where you i would buy craig his promax, i would like to pay 1000 ore 1500 more for that engine and know she is in very very good condition, than a promax you don't know what happend whit it.
craig his promax would be my FIRST choice!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[jrumon]

Craig... your motor looks mint and I'd love to have it!!! (thanks for the photos)...drool, drool, drool! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But I just can't justify putting an $11,750 motor on a 1992 $8000 boat... IE...I don't want to have $20K tied up in a 13 year old boat! PLUS, I would have to keep the '92 200XRi around to swap back on it someday to sell this Starflight (for resale market wise). http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif
>>>SO<<<
I've been shopping a little and have scared up a few very nice used 300Promax choices under $9K so far at a few merc dealers... Trust me Craig..I'd love to grab your motor, but in this price range I could sell the 200XRi and recoupe a good chunk of it, and end up with a 300 Promax starflight for about $13K(ish)... I'm sure it would be marketable someday at that price! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

SOOO... I'm a lookin'...but, NO real hurry... When I find the right deal...Waaa-Laaa...An 300PM powered Starflight!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/devil.gif

Meanwhile: the white crap is flying outside and the lakes frozen solid http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

Thanks, Jim.

[jrumon]

Well...no 300 Promax YET http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif

But I'm getting close... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/devil.gif

What, no-one going to DOG ME on "overpowering" my Starflight and sing the insurance/liability blaa...blaa to me??? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/sick.gif

Man, I can't wait for spring to get here! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/bounce.gif

[Mark]

Just itching for fight, huh? It's only January, cabin fever should be 6 weeks away! You probably know that the first Starflites in 1985 were rated for 300hp, so you may not have many takers on this debate. Alot harder to blowover a 21' boat. I say go for it!

[Hoser]

I have a 1986 Starflight hull which is rated for 300hp with a 300hp Johnson V8. Am running a 6" cmc manual jackplate, Bob's nosecone and Mazco Re3 29. The boat has been gunned at 88mph with driver and half a tank of gas. Also have 150lbs of sand in the nose to solve the V8 c.g. problem. This is the same setup that Kunkels ran. I would think the 300PM would run stronger due to the lesser weight.
Best,
Rob Vose

[jrumon]

Thanks Rob... I'm hoping to see mid 80's with the 300 Promax, and yes, I thought about the weight factor! Well, I just put an offer in on one to see what happens next???
... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/bounce.gif

[jgreen]

jrumon:

If you get the 300pm, keep us posted on you 200 merc. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[jgreen]

I just found your other post http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

[jrumon]

Thats OK... I just dogged you on listing your motor in the boats section....me bad! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/devil.gif

I'll pass the word on your 175... Jim.

[Craig]

It should run well, although you may have a hard time reaching mid 80’s. The Starflight won’t run as fast as the Pulsare. The Pulsare has a better bottom design and weight distribution. I had a consistent 85 mph on GPS with a 300 Promax on my Pulsare. My 100mph gaffrig speedo would bounce at low 90’s. But it ran an honest 85 mph on GPS.

Re: Insurace. I had an 87’ Starflight that was only rated at 245hp that year, but many in the 80’s had 300hp cap plates. I actually have one hanging above my workbench that Kip gave me awhile back. Insurance co. won’t question it anyway, it’s over 21’.

-Craig

[jrumon]

Craig... Hoping this all pans out... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif

I'm curious to see how this 'Flight runs with a 300 Merc. I rode in a 300JohnRude powered one years back and saw 88ish on the speedo, and I know the 300 merc's a lot lighter than that monster V8...plus newer technology, higher RPM, better props, and if that don't cut it, I'm building the 300 for more HP!!! With the Sonic going, I still need something kinda fast??? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Jim.

Wish I had deeper pockets for your motor! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

[jrumon]

Hey Craig... do you have a scanner that you can scan that old Starflight 300hp plate and e-mail to me??? I haven't looked at my ID plate yet, but i'd like to see what yours is...http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Now what to do for set-back??? The Starflight has a 5.5" CMC hydro jack on it, and the bottom being factory step-notched back about a footish looks like it will put the skeg of the 300 about 20" from the end of the running surface. Seems about right considering motor weight??? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif What did the Pulsare have???

ALSO: Does anyone know if the '99 300 Promax's with offshore single ram mid's have solid or rubber motor mounts??? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Craig]

jrumon,
No I don't have a scanner. Tell me what info you want off of it and I'll bring it in tomorrow and post what it reads.

-Craig

[Mark]

The Starflight notch is about 6". I was just dicussing this with Seamate. He is running a 10" jackplate with his 225 Promax on his Starliner. He says it's perfect but it raised his minimum planning speed by 4 MPH and he was glad he didn't go more. I'm trying to decide myself on a 8" or 10" for my Starliner w/225hp.

[jrumon]

Craig..I was just curious what yours looks like ...then again, I haven't even looked at mine yet! Either way doesn't matter...the 300 is GOING ON IT...no turning back now! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Mark...I think my notch is deeper than 6"...I'll have to measure it when I go to the other garage next week! I figure, with the extra weight of the 300PM, it won't need more setback... might be a try it and see thing! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Mark]

Actually, the notch is exactly 6". I measured mine the other day because I'm in the same place as you, re-powering and re-jacking. The 300 PM is the lightest 3.0 L Merc makes at 467 pounds. 225 Opti is 516 pounds. The running surface on either side of the notch still extends right to the back of the hull. So the jackplate is still necessary to get the bow to fly. I too would be interested in what other Starflight owners have discouvered is the optimum setback.

[jrumon]

Mark... That notch is a nice bonus for performance... gives the Starflight that much more effective motor set-back. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

This 300PM also has the offshore mid section with the single ram transom bracket and the pump inside the boat... that should keep my motor at about 450?lbs on the bracket.

For total setback... We have three distances to consider...

The hull notch distance = ???
The transom angle overhang distance = ???
The jack plate/set-back distance = ???

I can't remember exactly what was on the V8 power Starflight I rode in... I think it was only a 3" Land & Sea unit. With that heavy monster OMC, it sure didn't seem to need any more... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Anyone find the "sweet-spot" on the jack-plate distance and height for a Starflight??? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif