1500XS is broken in, now for some serious

[XSRaveau]

prop testing.

Ran nearly 12 gallons thru this weekend at "Lake X North", babied it, varying the throttle and staying around 2500-4000 rpm (with a little blip up to 5000 after 10 gallons or so). Finally, the XS is right. Plenty of power on the 16' Raveau. Was able to keep it on plane at 18 mph!

The boat hasn't a hint of chine walking or bobble at speed, really a stable ride. You can trim it just a bit and get the bow up at even low speeds, sort of flying it along. The afterplane design that Bob has incorporated into the boat is really terrific.

Found the 24" chopper to be pretty close, but will have to verify that with some high speed runs next chance I get. Did find with my wife and 4 year old daughter in the front cockpit (150# total), that planing off is much tougher, took quite a while. Probably need a smaller pitched thru hub for family rides.

Any suggestions to try?

[Raceman]

It's about time you got that thing straightened out. It's been a long road hasn't it? I'm surprised that sticking weight in the front would make it harder to get on top though. Those old three blade through hub stainless quicksilvers in about 23" of pitch used to work for the inline bassers.

[XSRaveau]

of the pitfalls along the way. Glad my memory has started to fail me on those things.

I'm suprised the additional weight up front didn't help, either. Suppose the tall transom height is the culprit. I'll have to try a different prop to confirm.

I was thinking a 21" or 23" thru hub to be about right.......

[Back To Havasu]

If you are looking for a two blade bronze Mercury prop., I have them in 19" and 23" pitch configurations. The props have no dings, but are sixties vintage. Three blades are probably better for your needs, but I thought I would mention these props just in case. If interested make me an offer. Thanks.:)

[XSRaveau]

for this application.

[delawarerick]

That is one fine rig. Congrats on getting it right. I grew up with boats made of wood and streamlined. Back in the 50s their were alot of kit boats with exotic names that were kits or plans and many winters were spent building. Good luck, Rick
(pictures?)

[XSRaveau]

turned out. Bob Walwork is both a master boat designer and builder, par excellence! The ride of the Z-plane hull is fabulous, you can carve a turn and it will just stay perfectly flat, no turning up on it's side like most hulls. Running at speed, there is not chine walking whatsoever.

I get a kick out of people asking, "Whatcha got, an old Chris Craft?" It's amazing the brand recognition they have.

I'll post some pics both on and off the water.