2000 Montauk 17 Performance - Need More Help
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2022 5:25 pm
I have taken my 2000 MONTAUK 17 to a dealer to have the engine checked over, and asked them to raise the engine mounting height from the current lowest-possible position to the two-holes-up position. Both mechanic and dealer expressed concern about the propeller ventilating with the engine mounted two holes up. They suggested that they raise it to one-hole-up to start.
I am inclined to move the motor up one hole and see how that works out. I was determined to raise the motor as previously recommended to two-holes-up, but now I am not so sure.
Give me input on the engine mounting height that should be first tried.
BACKSTORY:
In Spring 2021 I purchased a 2000 Montauk 17 with a Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine.
I have read the article here on engine mounting height, on the position of the motor, and on where the A-V plate should be at optimal height.
The boat's top speed is about 35-MPH in smooth water and calm wind, with two persons in the boat. That is significantly below the 43 to 45-MPH estimate that many have suggested I should be getting.
Suggestions already made to improve performance are:
The boat is now at a Mercury certified service center that has a good reputation. They are going to check the engine and raise the engine mounting height to two-holes-up. However, the mechanic and the owner of the shop both questioned that. The mechanic trimmed the motor to see where the A-V plate was in relation to the bottom of the keel. It appeared to be maybe an inch above that mark or maybe close to even, it was hard to tell.
The engine was mounted in the lowest position. All four holes are through-bolted to the transom, with the holes appearing to be drilled at where one would expect a template would require them.
[Moderator's note: it is not necessary to show a picture of the engine mounting height if you have correctly described it in your narrative. Similarly, it is not necessary to show a picture of a propeller marked 22P when you have already noted the propeller was 22-pitch.]
I am inclined to move the motor up one hole and see how that works out. I was determined to raise the motor as previously recommended to two-holes-up, but now I am not so sure.
Give me input on the engine mounting height that should be first tried.
BACKSTORY:
In Spring 2021 I purchased a 2000 Montauk 17 with a Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine.
I have read the article here on engine mounting height, on the position of the motor, and on where the A-V plate should be at optimal height.
The boat's top speed is about 35-MPH in smooth water and calm wind, with two persons in the boat. That is significantly below the 43 to 45-MPH estimate that many have suggested I should be getting.
Suggestions already made to improve performance are:
- mount the engine two-holes-up, and retest
- verify actual engine speed with another tachometer
- reduce propeller pitch to 19 from the present 22-pitch
The boat is now at a Mercury certified service center that has a good reputation. They are going to check the engine and raise the engine mounting height to two-holes-up. However, the mechanic and the owner of the shop both questioned that. The mechanic trimmed the motor to see where the A-V plate was in relation to the bottom of the keel. It appeared to be maybe an inch above that mark or maybe close to even, it was hard to tell.
The engine was mounted in the lowest position. All four holes are through-bolted to the transom, with the holes appearing to be drilled at where one would expect a template would require them.
[Moderator's note: it is not necessary to show a picture of the engine mounting height if you have correctly described it in your narrative. Similarly, it is not necessary to show a picture of a propeller marked 22P when you have already noted the propeller was 22-pitch.]