posted 06-09-2003 02:31 PM ET (US)        

1) Replaced 15x16 Double Cupped SS prop with a 14.25 x 19 (I think!) Viper SS Prop. ($80 on ebay)

2) Mounted a Stainless Marine 8" setback bracket. ($240 at Cabellas)

3) Installed Teleflex Seastar front mount hydraulic steering. ($740 at surplus unlimited)

The bracket is bolted onto the existing standard mounting holes on the transom. The Engine is bolted onto the bracket one whole up. The bracket is set at just about its middle height.

It is difficult for me to give before and after results because I also worked on the engine and it is running far better now than it was when I last used it at the end of last season.

Currently top speed is around 46 MPH @ 5500 RPM, and it cruises at 30MPH @ 4000 RPM. Previously, top speed was 42 MPH.

The new steering is very nice. My old Teleflex was in rough shape and had broken teeth in the helm so anything would have been better, but the new Hydraulic steering turns easily with one finger.

The boat seems to ride a bit higher and not pound as much but that seems very subjective and could easily be wishful thinking.

It will be nice having a bit more storage in the live well. If you have any suggestions for what to use as a container in the well, please let me know on this post:
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/004252.html

Static trim is slightly affected, water used to sit - with the drain plugs out- a bit more than half way up the little sump area in the rear of the drain well and it now just slightly more than fills the little well. I installed a bilge pump, so once I get the final wiring set up I will leave the plugs in, with the plug in water should most likely just come into the little well.

I have changed several things at once, including painting the bottom, so it is difficult to say which change is responsible for what, but all in all, if you saw my smile on Saturday, you would know how happy I am with my boat!

posted 06-09-2003 02:34 PM ET (US)            

I used 18' teleflex hoses and they fit perfectly.