20ft shadow set up

[Project Shadow]

I have a 20ft ski version of the shadow. I dont have low water pickup. I have tried several different props and get the same result. I am running my prop about 3 1/2 inches under the pad with 8 inches of set back and the boat will run 68-69 mph with a almost stock 2.4. I can raise the engine up to 2 inches under the pad and the boat will slow to 63-64 mph. Everyone keeps saying get low water pickup, but if it slows the more i pick up the motor am i just wasting my money? I have tried a 25 shooter, worked 26 chopper,25 laser II, regular 26 chopper, and a 27 srx. All do the same when i raise the engine but the regular 26 chopper performs the best followed closely by the srx. Any suggestions?

[Airboater]

You need to get a water pressure guage and plug the 2 top holes in your water inlet if your not going to get a nosecone .Try going up at 1/2 increments at a time watching the water pressure ,the srx and choppers need air to perform .Height will depend on weather you get a nosecone or not .

[Project Shadow]

I already have a water pressure guage and the 2 top holes plugged. With the center of the prop shaft at 2 inches below the pad the boat slows down. I have to go to 3 or 3 1/2 to get it to run 69 mph. This is the reason i was wondering if i got low water pickup and a nose cone, is it going to help me or hurt me?

[Airboater]

I already have a water pressure guage and the 2 top holes plugged. With the center of the prop shaft at 2 inches below the pad the boat slows down. I have to go to 3 or 3 1/2 to get it to run 69 mph. This is the reason i was wondering if i got low water pickup and a nose cone, is it going to help me or hurt me?
Keep going up as long as you got water pressure 12psi would be about the limit .I run a 1in to 11/2 above the pad running a srx or chopper style prop

[j_martin]

Airboater, Listen to what he says. When he raises the motor what seems to be a reasonable amount, the boat slows down. What's wrong with the boat?

[Airboater]

Airboater, Listen to what he says. When he raises the motor what seems to be a reasonable amount, the boat slows down. What's wrong with the boat?
Whats wrong is its too deep for high speeds ,choppers and srx props need to be ventelated for maxium performance .

[Airboater]

Another thought ,you might check and see if there is drain holes drilled in the outside sponsons ,they will collect water and are foam filled .

[Eidson002]

airboater is right if you want this boat to run you have to get the case to nearly ski on top of the water. CAUTION blowout on this boat means your going swimming. It will hook hard and send you flying.

[leading edge propeller]

We owned rally sport and made that same boat shadow ,challenger etc. You are right the boat always slowed down by going up to much with the motor because it lost leverage to carry the bow . A 26p chopper was the best we found to run on the boat as well as a mercury 25p trophy4bld good all around prop. Hope this helps.

[Airboater]

We owned rally sport and made that same boat shadow ,challenger etc. You are right the boat always slowed down by going up to much with the motor because it lost leverage to carry the bow . A 26p chopper was the best we found to run on the boat as well as a mercury 25p trophy4bld good all around prop. Hope this helps.
Totally different boat ,this is a 20' MVP bottom not a 21 Big V bottom shadow

[Magcat 62]

IF im youldreading right somethings up! my 20 shadow with 2,4 26p chopper did 75 gps with passenger. youll be suprised how high you can run without a low p/u. i can testify to that watch your temp. choppers need to run high!