1997 700LX with Tracker 115hp setup.

[Oilman Jones]

I have a 1997 700LXDC with the 115 hp Tracker. I was wandering what setup people are running with this boat. I currently have a 1aser 22 pitch prop. I am considering adding a jackplate and changing the prop.



Also I have heard that the 115hp is a detuned 125hp. What is the difference and what parts are needed to gain the additional 10 hp? And is the additional 10 hp worth it?



Thanks

 

[brooks williams]

I have a 115 merc/tracker in my 180FS. Its a personal preference issue when it comes to extra HP being "worth it." I would love to max my rig out with a new 150 of some kind, but my 115 guzzles enough gas already, is dependable, and has ample power to boot.



Bottom line--I wont modify mine (is it the same engine as the 150???) because it aint broke, so I aint fixing it.

 

[Kim Becker]

I have a 1998 700LXSC with a 125 hp Merc so I can't help with the 115 but I run a 26 pitch prop with the motor in the last bolt hole on the bracket { the motor is mounted as high as it can go,not sure that made sense.] I am extremely happy with the performance of this set up. I am not sure the extra 10 hp would make much of a difference. But some guys spend hundreds of dollars for 2 mph more. It is a personal choice.

Beck

 

[Rich Stern]

oilman, I have the same boat/motor, 1999 model year. I have a 5" jackplate, a 26" Turbo 3 blade stainless. I hit 57mph lightly loaded in cool weather, and my hole shot is good with one person, fair with a full load. The jackplate doesn't give more speed, but it did reduce chinewalk and improve the handling. I think the ideal prop for balance of speed and handling is probably 24" or 25" pitch.



The jackplate is worthwhile if you like to tinker, but I probably wouldn't pay someone else to do it.



The upgrade to 125hp from 115hp is replacing the carbs. Cost is close to $1000 for new parts. Probably not worth it, unless you fish with your boat really full all the time and are suffering from poor performance. Better spent money would probably be prop tuning from someone like Rich Boger.



With a 5250 rpm redline, the 115/125 is never going to be a high performance motor. But, it is durable, and with the 2 cylinder idle feature, pretty frugal on gas when trolling.

 

[Oilman Jones]

Rich, Thanks for the info. How many inches under the pad is your motor sitting? Is the 57 mph with the prop tuned and how do you get into contact with Rich Boger?



I do love to tinker so I will probably still go with the Jackplate, What all handling improvements did it help?



Thanks very much.

 

[Rich Stern]

Don't remember the pad measurement, but I will take it again next time I am prepping the boat. My prop has not been tuned.



Handling improvements: Much less chinewalking, less up trim required for best running, no prop blow out in a high speed/trimmed-for-max-performance turn, less porpoising in most conditions.



Rich Boger's link is below.
http://www.bogerprops.com/

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Gettin' ready to send mine to Rich to have my Quicksilver SS polished and tweaked...He IS the man!

TEE

 

[Staci Matheis]

Oilman -



I've driven Rich Stern's boat! It is SWEET! Quick and nimble - kinda like driving a sports car!



me!