STV & Eliminator Questions

[fasteddies69]

Hello first post on here and have learned a lot already from reading the other post.

Boats are used on a close local lake. No more than 3 hours each trip out. Make a mile an hour blast, get lunch, another couple blast and back to work.


Eliminator question. 1990 20' tunnel hull. Runs 78mph with a Johnson 225. Have it fine tuned, good compression,
have tried 20 props.


1. Is that about the right speed

2. How much faster would it go with a 2.5 260 Mercury on it

3. If I got an engine for $7000.00 What would it cost to change it over the rest of the way?



STV Pro Comp Ski. I just bought a 1989 STV 2.5 260 to solve the speed problem with the Eliminator.....Easy fix.


Questions 1. Has cable steering should I change for what I use it for. Guy with the boat has one for extra
charge set up for the STV.

2. No alternator. Sounds like I should put one on

3. Manual jack plate? Should be OK?

Open to any and all suggestions.

Thank you Fasteddie..........because of my cars not my boats

[Eagle One]

The STV is a much faster design than the Eliminator. The 260 has a 16 amp charging system and you don't need an alternator. The manual jack plate is fine as when you get your boat set up you won't really need to change it. If you have push pull type steering, be sure it's a dual cable system. If it's cable pulley be sure it has good aircraft type stainless cable and it and the pulleys are in good condition. The cable pulley system is more positive overall. Set up is the key.

[fasteddies69]

Thank you eagle one. He has a Marine Machine that he would install for $1000.00 he likes it the best. Do you know if they let the steering wheel move around like my Sea Star.

Thanks Ed

[Eagle One]

I do not recommend hydraulic steering on a performance boat. Blow a line or O-ring and you get a wet A$$

[albypine]

You are kidding me rite ? What kind of junk hdy systems did you run that you had issues ? All most every performance boat has hdy steering . Guess sometimes the hacks know best:rolleyes:

[fasteddies69]

This is my first post on here. I guess there are guys like you on every form. Don't reply to this topic again I don't need someone that knows less than I do. I know I don't know much that is the difference between you and me.

So let me help you out on this one. The Sea Star Hyd system does not keep the steering wheel centered. I and many others on here, and I called Sea Star the fluid must bleed by allowing the steering wheel to move off center. My cords would slowly get tangled around the steering column. I thought it was something I was doing wrong, so I called Sea Star. They said that was a draw back to there hyd system.

I tried bleeding it many times different ways. Still the same results. May others on this form have posted the same problems. I put the jack plate and trim on levers that don't turn behind the steering wheel and works great.


Now they say cable steering give you a better feel of the boat. All fast boats don't have hyd steering. My STV doesn't.

So I guess Sea Star is JUNK and everyone on this form is a HACK but you.

For BRONZE member you sure hit a new guy hard. I won't be on this site if this is a way I get answers to a question

BY THE WAY YOU DID NOT EVEN ANSWER THE QUESTION.

[petehubbell]

Based on your described boat usage hydraulic steering would be my recommendation. Just about any steering system "could" have some type of failure but SeaStar is used by many folks for many years with no issues. I love love em' for my style boating.

Stick around, you won't find a better performance boat board than this:thumbsup: Pete

[STV_Keith]

STV Pro Comp Ski. I just bought a 1989 STV 2.5 260 to solve the speed problem with the Eliminator.....Easy fix.

Questions 1. Has cable steering should I change for what I use it for. Guy with the boat has one for extra
charge set up for the STV.

2. No alternator. Sounds like I should put one on

3. Manual jack plate? Should be OK?

Thank you Fasteddie..........because of my cars not my boats

I have a 92 PCS with a 260, so here are my thoughts...

1. I had dual opposed cable steering. This means there were two cables, one from each side of the boat that each was connected to it's own arm to the tiller. This is the safest cable as if one fails, the other is still hanging on with a separate cable and connection arm. Here's a picture:

290072

Other options for cable would be dual single side (two cables come in from the same side of the boat), single cable and "string steering" using exposed steel cables and pulleys.

Personally, my boat is going back together here shortly with a Sea Star Pro ram (HC5345), Sea Star Pro helm (2.0cu-in/rev - HH5770) and 1500psi hoses. I have driven several boats with this system (the COR 2.0 race boat I drive being one), and my brother has this same setup in his 128+mph STV River Rocket.

2. The stock 16 amp alternator on the 260 is ok if you don't have a stereo or many accessories in the boat that pull power. The Bosch fuel pump that runs these motors will pull like 9 amps, so you're discharging the battery any time you're not above 3000rpm (charging). When charging, it's a slow charge if you're putting 16 amps in and taking 9-10 amps out.

3. My boat had a manual jack plate on it when I bought it. While you can make adjustments, it's a PITA and not something you're going to do at the sandbar most likely. I like the hydraulic jack plates so you can jack them up for clearance in shallow areas, then back down when you want. You can also play with engine height on the fly for max speed. With a 6" jack plate, my boat went fastest with the propshaft centerline at 1-1/4" above the bottom.

[Michael Martin]

fasteddies69 (http://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?90332-fasteddies69) - I don't think Albypines remark was directed to you or at least I didn't read it that way.

Your cords getting tangled up are an easy fix by using Teleflex Marine Pro-Trim. ( if I am correct assuming that you are referring to the tilt and trim on the wheel)

Id rather have the dual opposed steering like eagle one was referring to but have had many with hydro steering.

I wish you good luck in getting it set up and just remember to be safe.

[specboatops]

fasteddies69 (http://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?90332-fasteddies69) - I don't think Albypines remark was directed to you or at least I didn't read it that way.

Ditto, Fasteddie I think that comment was directed in a different direction than you, so easy does it Tiger;):cheers:

[Onetime]

Sometimes these threads are very entertaining.

fasteddies69 (http://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?90332-fasteddies69) - I don't think Albypines remark was directed to you or at least I didn't read it that way.

I agree that those comments were not directed at you and you should probably get a little thicker skin with an oilier back.

Every steering system has the potential for a catastrophic failure. You want to use what you feel most comfortable with and is least likely to have a failure. I'm wiith the hydraulic steering in recreational boats.

[fasteddies69]

Guy's thanks for all the great information. I'm in Columbus Ohio wish I was closer to all the good boating areas. If I was going to take time off to go to one STV event this summer not clear across the country which one should I hit.

I'm a car guy 6.70 at 215mph and have 15 fast street cars. I REALLY respect these boats. You don't get a second chance.

[fasteddies69]

No information yet on the 260 Mercury over the 225 Johnson. I'm guessing a $10,000.00 swap and get $4000.00 back on my Johnson.

Johnson is a low hour very nice 1990 225 Limited

[fasteddies69]

Onetime, I took it as: What kind of junk system did YOU run.......are YOU kidding me.....HACKS know best.... you figure that last one out.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that is fine. I will not try to take it so personal. What got me is I don't own any junk.

No ones stuff is junk in my opinion it might not be as nice as others but might be all they can afford. At least they are tying.

Thanks Ed

[wired247]

Onetime, I took it as: What kind of junk system did YOU run.......are YOU kidding me.....HACKS know best.... you figure that last one out.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that is fine. I will not try to take it so personal. What got me is I don't own any junk.

No ones stuff is junk in my opinion it might not be as nice as others but might be all they can afford. At least they are tying.

Thanks Ed

It wasnt directed at you. There are old rivalries and grudges at play here. Racers sometimes arent the most forgiving of folks.

[Onetime]

I think you're stilll taking it as being directed towards you. Feel pretty save to say it wasn't. Forget it and move on.

Which STV did you buy? Was it for sale on here?

[fasteddies69]

I'm very forgiving......water under the bridge

[fasteddies69]

Yes I bought Glenn's. Was on here about two weeks ago.I loved the color combination bought it with the 260, and hyd steering and another 260 with low hours and extras to put on my Eliminator. He seems to know the boats well . I'm going to get to meet him next weekend.

Thanks Ed

[albypine]

Sorry to the op . I run sea star well over 100 with no issues . And so do many members on this site. My comment was not directed towards you at all. If you do tons of miles boating hdy is the only way to go . If and the big word if I had a Stv and wanted to run well over 135 cable is the way to go only to have a better feel . But long river riding trips hdy is your best friend

[timmc6]

Sorry to the op . I run sea star well over 100 with no issues . And so do many members on this site. My comment was not directed towards you at all. If you do tons of miles boating hdy is the only way to go . If and the big word if I had a Stv and wanted to run well over 135 cable is the way to go only to have a better feel . But long river riding trips hdy is your best friend
Your being way to nice for somebody calling you out with first boat :eek: Post#8 :rolleyes: Maybe he will show up at one of our events!!!!! Tim

[albypine]

Lol he will find out the hard way if he goes the route .... Would piss me off to if I sent a 260 out that got hacked to death and 6k later some azz with a 9.9 on a row boat has to pull me in ;)

[Onetime]

Yes I bought Glenn's. Was on here about two weeks ago.I loved the color combination bought it with the 260, and hyd steering and another 260 with low hours and extras to put on my Eliminator. He seems to know the boats well . I'm going to get to meet him next weekend.

Thanks Ed

Was very interested in that boat myself. To far away from me to make it work.

Love the Mercury Racing colors too.

[wired247]

Was very interested in that boat myself. To far away from me to make it work.

Love the Mercury Racing colors too.

I was kicking that around myself. Got to buy a house this year or I'd be on that one. Next years bonus is doing an STV though damn it.

[fasteddies69]

Guys, I will post some pictures of my junk, just not smart enough to upload the pictures yet. Albypine All is good. I know what you mean by being towed in by a row boat. Triple check everything on my race car and it runs out of gas on the starting line. So mad at the time at myself, the crew. Now look it is really funny. Brings me back that we are just human and we all make mistakes.

Did not get into boats 30 years ago because.......Took my friends new 20' Rinker to lake Erie. Thought we were bad in a new Rinker. Here comes some 120' long cruise that could not get close to the dock, my mouth dropped open see the ship, then a chuckle he could not get to the dock. The boat turned and on the other side there was my buddy's Rinker hung on the side as his dingy. At that time and place I knew
I could not hang with the boating crowd.

One question not answered is I'm taking of my 225 Johnson off my Eliminator 20' tunnel. Putting on a Mercury 2.5 260 Ran 79.4 with one person and 73 with 2 people. Any ideas on how much mile an hour might be gained.

Thanks Everyone, this site has a good as group of guys. Fasteddies69 on land

[fasteddies69]

Timmc6, I was not calling Albypine out. I just saw or felt like he said YOU and was talking to me like I was stupid. Thought for what I am a novice boater he was a bit hard on a new guy. I don't know it all but was asking for some help that was all. I bet he's a great guy and hope to meet some day..

Yes ,I asked earlier where you might have an event close to Ohio. My summers are very busy with work and fitting it all in. I would like to meet a lot of you. Bring one of my boats...maybe...race one not a chance. See story above.

Where can I go to fine a list of events.

Thanks Ed

[timmc6]

Timmc6, I was not calling Albypine out. I just saw or felt like he said YOU and was talking to me like I was stupid. Thought for what I am a novice boater he was a bit hard on a new guy. I don't know it all but was asking for some help that was all. I bet he's a great guy and hope to meet some day..

Yes ,I asked earlier where you might have an event close to Ohio. My summers are very busy with work and fitting it all in. I would like to meet a lot of you. Bring one of my boats...maybe...race one not a chance. See story above.

Where can I go to fine a list of events.

Thanks Ed
Not a problem ed ,when your post count is low you don't get a lot breaks:eek:But they are a lot of people on this site will help you out in many ways,mainly in tried and true experience,I have seen several elimanators with 2.5s run over a 100 ,as far as events I am not sure about your area,but down south they are plenty,good luck with project,tim

[fasteddies69]

Thanks Tim, Your boat is nice I looked at it but I did not want one quite so racy. I like the 4 seaters better.

Hope to see you this summer.

Ed

[Eagle One]

Simply stated "The American Power Boat Association", The oldest racing organization in the US, Does not approve hydraulic steering in any OPC Tunnel boat class other than Super Sport ( about a 70-80 MPH class) which runs a box stock "green" engine due to the chance of a failure which would result in an accident. The heavier duty "Offshore" models such as Latham and other racing hydraulic steering systems actually run dual rams and in some cases dual heads which are basically TWO systems tied together. I have actually had a heavy duty Kevlar line blow at the fitting which resulted in both I and a passenger being thrown out of the boat. I have seen this on more than one occasion. I have also seen internal O-rings blow resulting in a loss of control as well. Simply stated again I DO NOT RECOMMEND PRODUCTION TYPE HYDRAULIC STEERING ON A PERFORMACE BOAT. But then who am I to say.. I've just been at this some 45 years now and have driven, raced, built, and wrecked more boats than most people will ever own. If you have a 10 dollar head use a 10 dollar helmet.

[fasteddies69]

Eagle One. I have decided to try the STV with the dual cable steering first to see how it feels. I have the Sea Star on my Eliminator that runs 79mph with the 225 Johnson. I bought a Mercury 2.5 260 for the Eliminator. I will need to change the hyd ram. Glenn with the STV has a side mount Marine Machine to fit the Mercury for the Eliminator. Does that sound like a better game plan. The Eliminator had a single cable on it when I bought it......I knew that was a bad idea.

Thanks Ed

[Eagle One]

The hydraulic ram that mounts through the swivel bracket seems to be safer as it has more support. But some of the side mounts ( the seastar seems a little light as the shaft is not very big in diameter..) are acceptable as some are pretty beefy in construction. I recommend a dual cable push pull system in opposed side ( cable coming in from each side) mounting if possible but anything with dual heads and cables beats a single. Try to use a connection kit at the engine with two link arms. Nothing safer than having TWO separate systems working together. There was a reasonably priced system at one time made by Detmar and then another company that bought them out but they went out of business. You might find one of those online somewhere. I bought one that a supplier had left over in stock a while back. The flat racks come set up for same side use but the one can just be reversed. The kit came with the cables so cable length will make a difference if you can find one.