Excitor or pulse 185/186 w/ fourstroke?

[chico85224]

Hey folks, im looking to buy a checkmate 17’ minimum and 18.5’ max. I also live in arizona so it makes it difficult to see boats in person but i have a list of candidates.

Im going to throw a bunch at you all, feel free to answer one or all. Inapreciate any feed back.

Im looking to install a merc 150 pro xs four stroke on a hull that is 17’ min. To 18.5’ max. Im doing this to pull a water skier through rough water at 60-65 mph or faster if possible. The engine and length are requirements and cannot be changed.

I looked at some hydrostreams vkings and some action marine but feel like those hulls wouldnt be able to hold 60mph through rough water. The checkmates seem to have a bit more freeboard and are designed for this better then the others.

Ive looked at a spectra 171 in person, although the lenght was right, i felt like it was too bulky and it kinda had a pad on the bottom but was kinda round?

Now im looking at exciters and pulse 186/5, they seem to fit the bill. Thats why im comming to the experts, knowing my requirements. Which hull do you all think would be best? Both look to have a flat pad bottom but which one will be faster through my water conditions? Is there a better suggestion?

Question about the exciter. Did they stop production of the outboards in 1983? Ive seen them listed for sale as 84, 86, and a 1990? What gives?

Appreciate the help and look forward for the conversation.

 

[karzrus]

If i was trying to do what you are, I think I would worry about finding a boat in good condition that does not have a bunch of water damage. These boat often get water in the floors, stringers and cores over time, especially if left outside uncovered. That makes them heavy and slow as well as weaker at speed when you add enough power to get to 60+.

I think I’d try to buy newer boats, I think I’d look for a Checkmate Pulsare 1850 and get it inspected for moisture/water damage in the hull.

Unless you are prepared to replace rotten wood? However it is is far bigger job than most people realize.

I also wonder if 150hp is enough to pull a skier out of the water and also do 60-65mph on the same propeller? I guess well trained skier's get up smoother and experinced drivers manage the boat better, but my skiing prop and my speed prop are different pitch. So that’s why I mention it and I think I’d want closer to 200hp, but I suppose 150 can get it done.

Good luck in your search.

 

[chico85224]

Thanks mate i appreciat that. Id rather not do all that work if i dont have to. I will look into that pulsar 1850. Only thing i have to go off of is Ai and thats why i looked at the older models because it said they were lighter, but if they are water logged then it defeats the purpose.

150 is the only option i can do. As far as props, im going to prop it for max speed and if it is unable to pull me out of the water then im going to rigg a low point quick release for the rope. Its basically a quick release mechanism that is mounted towards the bottom of the transom, you hook your rope on the ski pylon like normal but feed it thru the quick release, that way the pull is from down low and the boat can plane quicker. Once the skier is up, the observer pulls the cable to open the quick release and now the skier is being pulled by the pylon.

Its all a bit of an experiemnt because there is no established boats in the usa at this time.