Engine Heigth

[Liberator225]

how do you know your engine is at the correct height using a jack plate.

[wideglide55]

It planes ok,goes fast and the engine doesn't melt.Then you know its set right.We need alot more info to really help.

[Liberator225]

Right on man, it does all of the above so I guess I am good. Nice Checkmate, I am a big fan, I use to have one with a built 350 in it. My Liberator looks just like that Elimintor in the water, the back corners under water, i love it, lol.

[Charger200]

Telus the boat and motor you are running aswell as current setback and prop. Libs are pretty common boats so there is some good knowledge for ideal setup out there.

jay

[Liberator225]

I have a 19' Lib with a 3.0L 225 Merc and it has a 9.5 set back and 28p chopper.

[Charger200]

what rpm and speed are you seeing? A chopper might have a lil too much bow lift for your boat, what height are you currently running at? a cleaver might work better for you. Do you have a low water pickup???

[Liberator225]

I am not sure the rpm cause I think my tach is bad but speed is about 80 mph (Gps). Not sure where i need to measure the height at. yes i have a low water pick up.

[Charger200]

run a straight edge out from your center pad through the engine. depending on your engine height your prop shaft will either be above or below the straight edge. most likely you will be about 2'' below(just a guess) raise your engine up to about 1/2'' below the pad(center line of prop shaft should be 1/2'' below the top of your straight edge which would be the bottom of your center pad) take it for a run, monitor water pressure if you have a gauge. Im guessing you will notice a huge difference with the attitude and tendencies of the boat with the engine up higher. Be carful with the chopper it might make you pack too much air and get flighty.

[HStream1]

Charger is correct about the chopper. Libs like stern lift. It's already an air entrapment hull so there's no need for a Bow lift prop. And 80 is slow for that boat, 100+ is easy once it is properly set up. Also consider Hydraulic steering if you don't already have it You'll be so glad you did. So IMO sell the Chopper or trade for a DR 4 Spinelli (if you can find one), Drag IV (if you can find one), or a Cleaver. Some guys like Trophy's. All four props run extremely well.

Here's the way I set up my Liberator for starters. I have more set back than you but that won't matter. Also you need your Tach to be working to monitor RPM as you make changes and a water pressure gage is also a must.

This set up is only for LWPU lowers.

(1) Level the boat via the center pad with a level.

(2) Remove the prop and level the motor via the prop shaft with a torpedo level.

(3) Run a straight edge from the center pad back to the prop shaft. Like Charger mentioned you'll likely be low.

(4) Raise the engine until the center line of the prop shaft is centered with the pad. This is where I always start.

(5) Mark the jack plate for future reference.

(6) Make a WOT run and Record speed, RPM, water pressure etc.

(7) Raise or lower in 1/4" incriments everytime you make a WOT run Record findings. When the SWEET spot is found you'll know it.

I try to achieve a set up that allows me to run at neutral trim. If you are making the HP why trim up to make the boat lift when it is already designed to do so. My Lib will lift at about 70/75 then I feel it stick when the wind starts coming over the deck.

Also in setting up any boat only do one thing at a time. example; raising engine and running another prop can confuse as to what change did what.

Hope this helps, Good Luck & be safe!!

[Liberator225]

Great info guys I am going to take a look at it today.