2008 Triton 18X2..no jackplate/150 Optimax

[STK001]

One more question for you guys. I noticed that when my livewells are full that my boat will NOT come out of the hole. I have to reduce the water to half full in the wells to get going again. Found out that the pitch on my prop (25) was incorrect. Problem solved? No. We tried my buddy's 4 blade 23 pitch prop which is correct and it actually was just as bad or worse. It did give me more rpm's which is correct but not more top end(actually less) and still wouldn't get it out of the hole with full wells. Is this because there is no jackplate? It's also mounted a bit low in my opinion. There are at least two levels it could be moved up higher. Would this help at all? Thanks again fellas!

[fishfordollars]

Livewells should have no bearing on this boat coming up on plane. That 150 should have no problem sticking it up on top.

Unless you have a working water pressure guage be very careful how you start jacking that motor up higher on the transom.

I would start with a leakdown and compression check. The motor may be down on power. One of the first signs of a weak cylinder is problems getting up out of the water.

[STK001]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I don't even know if it's finished with the break in though I would imagine I have 11 hours on it...not sure. I don't run that much really. They said once break in was finished I would notice higher rpms and speed but can't break 60 yet. My buddy's TR186 does that no problem and he has the 150 EFI. You could be right about this. I suppose a trip to the dealer is in order. 5 hours on the road. That sucks. Thanks!

[Sfritr]

Some other issues that can contribute to low speed is amount of gear in the boat, and Operator weight.  I have a 18 ft stratos with a 150 and it tops out at 63 running 5500 RPMs.  Maybe a diet is in order  

[fishfordollars]

Thank goodness you got warranty. Allthough the prop can cause this issue, the 25 you have on there should be no problem. Any mercury dealer can do the warranty work if it needs to be done, doesn't have to go back to the original dealer.

FYI, the last Mercury I scattered had 19 hours on it, so it can happen to any at any time.

Good luck.

[STK001]

Thanks a lot, I'll call the local dealer and see about getting it up there. Only thing is they were fairly difficult when I was interested in buying a boat and I sort of let them know how much I didn't appreciate their lack of respect and kindness....yeah, I was an ***. Hesitant to roll up in there with my boat. Ha. We'll see how it goes! Thanks again.

[fishfordollars]

You can do the compression check yourself easily. Go get a compression gauge, bring the engine up to operating temperature, pull all plugs, screw the gauge into each cylinder, and spin the motor over. Anything more than 10% difference is not good. A leak down is a little more complicated unless you have the equipment to do it. It allows you to pressurize each cylinder and record the amount of pressure lost over a given amount of time.

[STK001]

Some other issues that can contribute to low speed is amount of gear in the boat, and Operator weight.  I have a 18 ft stratos with a 150 and it tops out at 63 running 5500 RPMs.  Maybe a diet is in order

Well d**n, I do have 10 rods and plenty of lures but I only weigh 175....I don't think it's me!....I didn't know I had to work out too....fishing is tough! Ha!

[fishfordollars]

Thanks a lot, I'll call the local dealer and see about getting it up there. Only thing is they were fairly difficult when I was interested in buying a boat and I sort of let them know how much I didn't appreciate their lack of respect and kindness....yeah, I was an ***. Hesitant to roll up in there with my boat. Ha. We'll see how it goes! Thanks again.

No big deal. They have a responsibility to take care of the buyer. They completed the sale, so they weren't too unhappy. They are probably watching the street for a dozen more buyers just like you that have the credit or cash to complete a deal just like yours.

[STK001]

Oh, no. I meant that I didn't end up buying from them. I bought it from a dealer in SC who had the best deal in the country that I could find on a new Triton with an Optimax 150. Drove 5 hours but saved about 3K. I just hate to have to run it to SC when it could be fixed here. Hopefully they will be kind We shall see won't we. Thanks again. I wouldn't have a clue about doing any real work on that outboard. I love boats but I have no clue how to run tests or change this or that. I'm not a mechanic or even close! I add oil and gas and fish...that's about it. Thanks!

[nitro929]

be carefull moving the motor up or down. it can cause very bad handling at high speeds and you might lose control

[Ellesar]

 The 175 has no problems getting my boat out of the water with full livewells, full gear, and 2 people in the boat.

[STK001]

Thanks man, I will. It's funny, it hasn't been all that long since the rating on the boat we have finally changed to 175. I wouldn't mind the extra hp but I'd be happy just to get my rig working properly. Thanks again.