20XD Bullet---250R Setup

[Bulletman20]

I just hung a new 250R on my 20XD and have serious control issues. Once up and running the ass end is all over the place and the steering feels like there isn't anything there. I started out about 1/2 inch above the pad and dropped it down to 1 inch below the pad. I did get more lift but the ass doesn't feel "Planted". This isn't my first Bullet and actually the 4th motor on this hull and none of the previous motors were so hard to get set up. Wondering if anyone running the same rig can share their setup?

20XD, 250R w SM lower, 29 Bravo1XS (Had cup added), 12 inch Bob's Hyd plate with 2 inch spacers.

Thanks In Advance!

[25two.stroke]

Out of curiosity, what steering are you running?

[TraceF3]

...and is it the same steering as the previous engine?

[Bulletman20]

Seastar Hyd and yes it is the same as previous

[JasonRS]

I know nothing about your setup, but im guessing remove the spacers and raise the engine. Someone will come along and confirm, but i believe some are finding less setback is necessary with the v8. Also 2 of my boats have felt as you described when propshaft ks too low. Again, no expert here, just a guess.

[Bulletman20]

Changed to the "Required" Seastar steering cylinder. Removed 2 inch spacers. Dropped the motor down a hole (I have Hyd Jackplate). Handling issues solved. Much more stable. Now to get it propped right. I run a 29P Bravo1 XS that has a great holshot and mid range but due to high slip (19%--20%) just not getting the top speed it should. Waiting on responses from Merc Racing and Spinelli on pitch recommendation on Max5 ST and DR5 props!

[JasonRS]

Excellent, glad to hear you are getting her dialed

[Will hedrick]

Just curious, do you have a transducer mounted and where is it located?

[Whaaaaat]

Did you make all those changes at once? Or incrementally to see which change actually made the most difference?

[Capt j]

At your speed, I think a Pro-Max would be a better prop and get you the speed you're looking for than the Bravo 1 XS. Probably will need to up pitch as the promax is a 14.5" diameter prop.

[Bulletman20]

Tried a 29P ProMax--Did not work at all--Starts out like a freight train then completely blows out before the nose breaks over.

[rgsauger]

You ever tried a four blade hydromotive with extra cup? Carries that boat nicely and is drivable.

[Bulletman20]

You ever tried a four blade hydromotive with extra cup? Carries that boat nicely and is drivable.

Yes I have same outcome

[Will hedrick]

My buddy is running a 25 fury on his 250r, he had a250 pro xs, with a 27 fury but actually had to downsize to the 25 for better performance

[Bulletman20]

I currently run a 29P Bravo---I don't think a 25 will be near enough!

[Will hedrick]

Have you tried a blowout ring yet? What about the pvs holes?

[rgsauger]

Have you reached out to TEXAS20225?

hes run a bullet for 20 yrs with all kinds of motors and setups

[Bulletman20]

Have you tried a blowout ring yet? What about the pvs holes?

ProMax Prop MUST be run with a blowout ring and they also come with PVS holes. I've owned 3 Bullets since 1992 with several different motors (260 Offshore, 225 ProMax, Modified 225 ProMax, 250 Pro XS and now 250R). The new 4-stroke motors are the problem. They are heavier, so they run lower in the water and have the hull in a more nose up angle of attack for holeshot. The biggest problem is prop slip which is around 18%-20%. I figure this has to do with the 4-stroke sportmaster lower unit being of a much larger diameter than previous models. Merc and some other prop manufacturers say the newer 5 blade props reduce prop slip to around 5%-10% on average.

[Will hedrick]

U are correct, the 4 strokes have some advantages, with maybe a little more reliability, but like so many others, the weight really hurts unless you are running an aircraft carrier, my buddy has the new 250r on his triton, and the new 250xs on his camas, to be Camas, the r may be a few mph faster, but the xs performs better imo. As far as planing out faster and handling, but I have not run them on the same boat to know for sure

[Bulletman20]

The 250R and 250 Pro XS 4-strokes are identical motors. Same HP, same limiter (6200) etc. Only difference is you can only get the 250R with a SM lower and they are hand built at Merc Racing of course. The 300R however has several differences from the 300 Pro XS and can be purchased with a SM, TM or the 5.44 HD lower. I would have liked to have gotten the 300R but since I fish BASS tourneys I'm limited to 250 HP.

[hellbents-10]

I know of some one who made a adapter plate to put negative trim on the heavy 4 stroke 300r to get one flying correctly. Running trim in a traditional manner with the transom weight will not work well need to get that nose back down.