Engine Shaft length

[Poker]

I just brought a 1995 Pulsare with 225 EFI with a sport master lower unit with low water pickup and exhaust coming out mid shaft with a 20" shaft. It has I think 8in setback. In looking at the boat and motor it almost seems like it should have a longer shaft.

So question is what length should be on it 20 or 25?
I am looking at selling the race motor and get a regular 225 to put on it and wondering what length should be on it.

I know I hate to sell it but the lakes I live by have a 35mph speed limit so I need a motor that will run 35 and has a hole shot rather then top end speed.

 

[keith4216]

35mph limit

I'd sell the whole rig.
You bought a nascar and only have a gocart track to ride on.

 

[JW]

That boat uses a 20" motor.

 

[RNGRDVE]

35mph

I porpoise below 38, 40-50 is my average cruise speed. do you have any other lakes or rivers you can run on?

 

[DropTop5.0]

32 was about the slowest I could go with my Pulsare. 10" of setback, 4" below the pad spinning a 4 blade prop.

 

[Jimway]

35 mph! And to think that I am aggravated by the 60 mph(goes down to 45mph on the weekends) on my favorite expanse of water. Keeping that speed limit in mind, 1. Remove 225 carefully(we are talking about a Merc here). 2. Install 2x4 on upper setback holes. 3. Visit every garage sale that you can and be particularly interested in electric trolling motors, 12 volt batteries, jumper cables, and solar rechargers. 4. Install your garage sale purchases from left to right along the 2x4. 5. Bask in warm thoughts of how much $'s you are saving in fuel cost.

 

[jumbofordman]

I think you typed the wrong number when you said what HP engine you wanted to get. Meant to say 125 HP, right? Even that will push you over 35 (My predictor with a 115 goes 50)!

I tend to agree with the Keith here. You just have the wrong boat for the lakes in your area, and will never be happy. Sell it and get a pontoon boat, or a ski boat.

But in all seriousness, measure the transom, you'll find it to be right around 20" high in the middle, calling for a 20" shaft engine. I think the setback bracket is visually messing you up visually, the more setback, the higher you can raise the engine as still be in the water. So it appears that your prop is sitting too high relative to the transom, but that's because of the setback.

On a side note, I actually do run a 25" shaft motor on my Checkmate, because I got a unbelievably good deal on one (actually 2 - a matching pair with the counter rotating one seized up.) I have to run it at the top bolt holes, and run my jackplate all the way up.

 

[wired]

I dont even think I could get on plane at 35 MPH.

 

[Poker]

I measured the transom from top to the pad I get 24" so if I want to use it for water skiing or cruising would a 25" so I can get the prop under the pad? Figure I will put a adjustable jack plate so I change the height on demand.

And as for Mercury Motor I live 30 min from Fond du Lac so I have a easy time finding Mercury motors her just have to pick the HP and length. So I am spoiled with living in WI

Also I love speed but doing 70 in a Cougar or Hydrostreams is a bit more stable ride rather then doing it in a v-bottom. So I am thinking of keeping the motor to put on one of those

 

[keith4216]

Lenght, jack plates etc. arn't going to matter. If you have to stay 35 or under you have the wrong boat.

 

[atc250r]

Pulsare is made for a 20 inch mid. You measured 24 inches but need to factor in the mid is 20 plus the lower. Don't make yourself crazy over this, you need a 20 inch motor, end of story.