1989 Yoyager XT Advise Needed

[KOODAT]

Well,

The Stream is back out and I am in a quandry due to the fact my buddy just became a Hydrostream dealer. Just so happens he has a 2004 Voyager XT in the lot and I have been reviewing it closely.

My boat chines pretty bad as soon as the sponsons get out of the water and my buddies new Voyager does not chine with the 04 175 Merc. EFI. I mean mine is so bad, my passenger the 85 pound lab who says, oh crap, another speed run, almost gets ejected and I have to let off immediately. Lot's of positive trim to get it out of the water. I have a 26p Laser II that I think is a good prop. (89 225 Excel) The propshaft is about 2 1/2" below the pad.

I noticed that the pad is 10 1/2" wide, the hook has been modified, there are threaded drain holes w/plug for the sponsons. Also the pad is crowned in the middle.

I am planning on adding in 2005 a CMC PL-65 jackplate, solid motor mounts, and a Bob's low water pick up. Here's the deal.

1.) Is the jackplate the right one? What about the 2 degree wedges? Any good?
2.) If my hull is water logged,(adding to the chining) has anyone added drain ports to the sponsons? If not, how do I check for water in the lower hull.
3.) My steering is a dual cable Quiksilver cable system that is "old". Thinking of Hyd. steering, but another buddy with an Allison says that will make it worse.
4.) What is the best cable steering system for a 1989 Voyager XT with a 1989 225 Yammie Excel? Thinking this is the way to go, a real nice one.
5.) What/who would be able to massage the pad to bring it into the 2000's for design? Boat is in MN.

I'll get it yet, but with all variables, just trying to knock off the easy ones first.

[pyro]

Yes, jackplate, solid mounts and properly adjusted cable steering (no slack or play) will help a lot.

Get a hold of some better props to try. Big-ear Chopper, Trophy Plus or Tempest Plus. Jack it up at least another inch, this will greatly reduce chinewalk.

[hsbob]

trophy prop and adjustable jack plate hepled my 88 voyager a lot. the new voyager is rated for 280 instead of the 235. i your going to add hp this will help insurance. i like the new straight xt better. good luck

[KOODAT]

I need a "new" steering system. Any suggestions on brands/types?

[pyro]

what's wrong with the system you already have?

[KOODAT]

Believe it to be a 1989 vintage and it is just very hard to steer. Lubed it and there is no slack.

I would say it is just old and in need of replacement.

[pyro]

Precise, quick, and skilled steering input is the key to balancing a hull that has chinewalk tendencies. The steering needs to be easy enough to move that you can spin the wheel with one finger using moderate pressure. The cables may actually be pre-loaded too tight at the motor end, but it's more likely that they're seizing up inside the cables from rust and old age.
This might help:
http://www.hydrostream.org/ArticleArchives/Luber.htm
Otherwise, a new Teleflex NFB system should do the trick:
www.rickracers.com
[email protected]

[Ripper]

Call Superior Truck and Auto and Marine (Steve )
His work is top notch and he will work with you (and ins. company if needed)

507 454 3123

He has done just about all my boats at one point or another... He is the Best around the TRI-State area as far as I know... If you are in the Northern MN area, Call GPI (Randy) 320 356 9068 I'm sure he can tell you some good people to use...

Either way you won't go wrong... Let them know Ripper recommended ya from Scream and Fly website... (they are both big boating people)

Ripper

[KOODAT]

This thing came with a 27p SRX. Sold that and picked up a 26p LaserII. The SRX was way to loose.

What pitch Trophy should I be looking for?

[imq707s]

For learning to drive through chine walk…..a Raker worked the best on my 1989 Vegas XT. It was easier to drive with that Raker as opposed to the 27 SRX that I also have. The Raker also has more lift that the SRX, and less torque on the wheel. I think the biggest thing is just to practice driving. Also.....where is your motor height set? Try for 1"-2" below the pad for starters. My Vegas was much easier to drive when I raised the motor a little.

By the way….I've got a 24 Raker for sale if you are interested. :D

[KOODAT]

A Raker, Eh? Will take that into consideration. Gonna 1st put the jack plate on and wait for my nosecone to get done, then we'll see.