Hydrostream Viper trim tab results

[rev.ronnie]

So I finished up my Viper a couple years ago and drove it once. The first thing I noticed is it bounced like hell if you even got the trim a touch too high, which seemed like always. It was very picky and also took a long time to plane out. It seemed to like such minimum trim that it was a really tough ride. The porpoising was actually kind of violent. I didn't know a boat could slap the water that fast and hard. The boat has been in storage since that 1/2 hour maiden voyage.

The boat has a Vance 2" setback jack plate.
Motor is a 80 HP Merc triple. 1990. Fresh, Wisecos pistons, CCMS reeds. Just built it.
Prop is a crappy 21 aluminum OE style. Just for break in.

The boat HAD the factory trim tabs on the back when I got it. I removed them because they were loose and the screws were crappy. I glassed the holes back up and was waiting to put them back on till I got them powdercoated.

I bought the boat from Pete deCler and he told me not to run it without them...wow, he was right.

Anyway, I installed them and took the boat for a ride today...WOW! It is a different boat. Jumps on plane, rides smooth as hell and responds to trim excellent. You had to trim it up way too far to get it to bounce.

The boat is no rocket, it's just for the kids to run around in. I ran it up to 46 on GPS after a while of run-in. The prop would not hold up to much trim, and would start to blow out at speed though, so I need to addresses that next. I feel it should run low to mid 50s once I get the motor broken in and the right prop.


So, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[proprider]

How about some pictures of these factory trim tabs. I have a first edition Viper that I'm reworking and would be interested in making it as right as possible the first go-around. Planning to run a 2.0 liter v-6 with a 20" leg.

[rev.ronnie]

PM me your cell number and I'll text you some pics.

I will make a template of them as well and send it to you. I'll try my best to measure where they are mounted too and include that. I have your addy.

[toyomirage02]

put a 15 in. mota on it and let it eat

[rev.ronnie]

put a 15 in. mota on it and let it eat


Yeah, this one is nice and safe, I'm gonna keep it that way!

It really is a dream to drive now. A great trainer boat for the next generation. Just trying to keep the interest alive...I fear this hobby/sport is dying..

[toyomirage02]

i know i set one up a year ago for what is like a step son to me but not lol,,i did a 98ish 115 merc on the transom closed the top holes in lower,center steer,would sit on the limiter all the way down the lake with my 30 big ear, he got that down pat and so now it has a 2.0 new ball game for him now,but even the a 15 in. will drive better that a 20in,looks good too :D

[QuarterHorse]

I don't want you to go through any trouble but you wouldn't happen to know where dimensions are on the web would you? I'm stuck running the Vector one more season and am looking at fabricating some up with spare material I have around.

[rev.ronnie]

I don't want you to go through any trouble but you wouldn't happen to know where dimensions are on the web would you? I'm stuck running the Vector one more season and am looking at fabricating some up with spare material I have around.

I'm going to get a sheet of 5052 and cut out enough to do 15 sets. It may save you some trouble. I am going to get them water jet cut and will bend them with a press brake. I have a bunch of guys who want them so I decided to put them on the winter list.

I posted a picture of mine from the rear on the Hydrostream Owners Group page on Facebook.