Getting used to my new Persuader

[Overspray]

So far I haven't had too much seat time with my boat to get comfortable, or get any top speed WOT runs. I've just been running in short bursts here and there and getting a feel for her. I do have a few questions for you guys that have even around a while... It's a 93 Persuader with a 502. Does anyone know the HP rating of the carbed 502 from that era? Also, she's running a Stilleto 23P 3 blade prop, and I have a hell of a time getting her on plane with that big ol fat ass in the water. Any prop recommendations or any idea what my current prop would see top speed?

Lastly, my sun pad has a recess cut in it to clearance around the flame arrestor, and one of my exhaust risers touches the underside. I haven't seen anything like that on any other persuader. I feel like if the intake is stuck inside of that hole, it will limit air flow.

 

[Problem Child]

I had a 93 Persuader 235 and unless you have an extreme high rise intake or Carb spacer , your flame arrestor is not up inside of the cutout. Should be just under the underside of the hatch. There were a couple different 502 packages available for that. Mine was special ordered with the 465hp. The specs were hand written into the owners manual. I ran a 27 Mirage 3 blade to 78 gps and a 4 blade 28 labbed Spinelli just over 80. Yours should jump on plane with the 23 if the motor is running strong . I liked the 4 blade much better and you should be turning a 24 ,25 or 26 Imo. with a 1.50 gear ratio. If I had one I'd let you try it out. I only have 4 different 28's

 

[Overspray]

Thanks PC. Ill have her out on Holloway this weekend and hopefully there will be less traffic than the previous runs. So far the highest Ive gotten the dream-ometer was 72 with just me onboard and a full tank of fuel. No GPS or any idea what that equates to in real life, but I assume it would be around 60-65?

The boat has around 370 hours on it, and the engine was replaced around 60 hours ago. She seems to run strong and perform well, I always equated my issues with planing due to so much weight out back and the hull design lifting the bow so much. I do have trim tabs, as they are a huge necessity on this hull, and they seem to help get it out of the water.

The drive is a 1.50 ratio, and she runs fine. Is there any casting numbers or anything in particular to look for on my engine to figure out where shes rated? As far as I know, it is completely stock under the hatch.


Also, its a 219 for anyone chiming in.

 

[Hack]

My 95 Persuader 219, with 454 (330hp) will do 62 gps with a 23p Mirage. I believe there is still a bit more in the setup with trim, loading, and tab settings.

If you've got a base 502 (non-mag), I believe they were rated at 385. I don't know if that is at the motor or at the prop. But someone should have the correct number for you.

I think you can easily turn a 24p 4-blade or bigger. That should help the stern lift some. It's a prop that I'd like to try on mine, as I have similar issues.

I'll be interested in what you find out.

 

[ekkick]

It could be possible whoever ordered the boat had checkmate build it with the x demesion raised above stock. I know Harold Kunkle ordered my 242 like that.

 

[Overspray]

Well I guess I'll treat this thread as my posting of dumb newb questions.

I will say that this boat can be a bear to handle at high speeds. Running around yesterday with the kids on board, you can stuff the bow down with the tabs and trim down. But the second you trim up, she jumps like crazy. The fastest I could manage yesterday with traffic and conditions was 60.1 GPS. I know there's tons more left, but couldn't get a clear run.

Also I'm beginning to be concerned with my gimbal bearing. There seems to be a lot of side to side play from my bravo when sitting on the trailer. Could that create any issue with porpoising?

 

[Hack]

I have also found that my 219 is sensitive to trim. I'm still working out the correct settings for both the tabs and the drive.

Does your's really 'dig' in stern deep and take a while to come out of the hole and get on plane? Mine does. Lots of noise. Lots of prop spinning (cavitation? ventilation?). Not much forward motion. Then all of a sudden: We're flying. And I'm trying to get the trim set up so the bow isn't digging in. Over shoot the trim, and then the porpoising starts. Pull back the throttle, and it falls off plane. And we get to start the whole circus again....

I'll also admit, the last boat I owned had a 165 Mercruiser in it. So I have limited experience with twice the horsepower. Right now my 219 has two speeds: Stop and Scream. Can't really find that nice cruising setting. I'm also hampered by low water in certain areas of the lake. 1-2 feet in spots.

Just seems like it ought to jump up out of the hole quicker.

 

[flyby knight]

I doubt gimbal play will affect porpoise but I will tell you from past experience with my old persuader the best thing you can do is get your hands on a 24 bravo prop and run it. It will fix your porpoise and hole shot issues and make the boat handle way better all around. It might be about 2 mph slower on top end. I swear mine landed smoother in the rough with it also. Felt like entirely different ride. Good luck.

 

[Hack]

... I will tell you from past experience with my old persuader the best thing you can do is get your hands on a 24 bravo prop and run it. It will fix your porpoise and hole shot issues and make the boat handle way better all around.

Do you think that will also work with the 454 in my 219 Persuader? Or should I drop down to a 22p or 21p?

Sorry for the hijack...

 

[flyby knight]

Do you think that will also work with the 454 in my 219 Persuader? Or should I drop down to a 22p or 21p?

Sorry for the hijack...

My 219 had a 350 mag. I ran a 23 mirage plus then switched to a 22 bravo. Bet you would want the 24 since you have the bbc.

 

[Overspray]

Hack, I don't mind the hijack. We're having similar issues. ****, this is my first boat so it's all new to me.

Flyby knight, I wouldn't mind giving up a couple mph top end for better handling all around. The only time she's wide open is from launching to docking at the house. I usually rip up and down the lake. After that family is aboard and the crew doesn't like the jump. Personally I'd rather her get on plane quick and accelerate hard rather than topping at 70+.

Hack, when it's just me or me and the wife she seems to plane okay with the trim and tabs down all the way. I can pull the tabs up halfway but trim has to stay stuffed down to keep the bow down. Once I trim up a bit she starts to jump. On my solo rides I try combinations to try and take the beast, so with more wheel time I think I'll get it. I've also tried to ride it out, as some have stated they calm down once at higher speeds. 55mph and she was porpoising like crazy.

 

[Overspray]

Also, yesterday on my second run of the day. Backing off the dock, and also pulling up to the dock after the run, something was squealing like a pig when the boat was in neutral. Foreward or reverse gear was fine, no sound, only neutral. Ten minutes after docking I opened the hatch and started her up to check it out... And nothing the rest of the day. Very odd...

 

[Hack]

Hack, I don't mind the hijack. We're having similar issues. ****, this is my first boat so it's all new to me.

Hack, when it's just me or me and the wife she seems to plane okay with the trim and tabs down all the way. I can pull the tabs up halfway but trim has to stay stuffed down to keep the bow down. Once I trim up a bit she starts to jump. On my solo rides I try combinations to try and take the beast, so with more wheel time I think I'll get it.

Similar to my experience. My problem with the drive full down, is that I have areas where the water is 2' or less under the hull before the bottom drops off. I haven't dinged the prop yet, but I have taken all the black paint off the skeg.

I've also tried to ride it out, as some have stated they calm down once at higher speeds. 55mph and she was porpoising like crazy.

You're a braver man than I.....

...something was squealing like a pig when the boat was in neutral. Forward or reverse gear was fine, no sound, only neutral. Ten minutes after docking I opened the hatch and started her up to check it out... And nothing the rest of the day. Very odd...

Welcome to boat ownership. Belt? Mysterious Mercruiser Malady? Hard to say. Every used boat purchase comes with a complementary dose of paranoia and anxiety.

 

[Hack]

I picked up a 23p high Five on Saturday. The hole shot improved dramatically, it doesn't blow out in hard turns, and the porpoising is much less.

Still haven't got the trim dialed in, but by the end of summer I hope to get it running like it should.

 

[Overspray]

Thanks for the update Hack. I plan on snagging a new prop this winter, as well as the parts to repair the gimbal in spring. Hopefully next season will see some better runs.

 

[Hack]

I really like that it doesn't send the bow ballistic when coming out of the hole. And the porpoising is moderate, unlike the 23p Mirage 3 blade. That was violent. I was twisting it at 4500 rpm, and I wasn't at full throttle yet. Son was screaming like a little girl telling me to slow down. Then I made the hard turn to port and he really came unglued.

I would definitely look for a 4 blade for your 219.

 

[Brianh]

I had a 1994 219 persuader with the 454. Ran a 24 pitch trophy plus. Boat ran awesome. Great hole shot and pulled hard right up to 73-75 depending on load.

 

[jmwaterski]

92 Persuader

on our 92, 219 Persuader with a stroked 454 to 496 cu. in. with all kinds of goodies done to the motor we run a 28 pitch bravo 1. hole shot is good for riding but not for water sports. This is the best prop for this hull. We also are running a 2" shorter lower out drive. After this was installed the boat became much easier to drive at higher speeds and safer. This hull can be a hand full if you don't know what to expect from it. I let my son handle driving, He's better with this boat. It's taken 3 years of tinkering to get the boat where it is now running 80.3 on gps. Check out the pins in your gimble. They can show wear after many years and will cause slop in your steering and movement in your outdrive from side to side. Also we have a almost new 23 pitch Hydromotive prop I'll sell that works well on this hull. Ran it before thing got out of hand with the motor and such.

 

[Hack]

... It's taken 3 years of tinkering to get the boat where it is now running 80.3 on gps.

Nice! Where do you routinely run that boat? River? Inland lakes? Big Water? I run out of lake before I run out of throttle.

 

[jmwaterski]

Run mostly on High Rock Lake in the middle of North Carolina. Plenty of fast boats on this lake. Have to have pretty slick water to run this boat at top speeds.