Checkmate Pulse 186 Porpoising; Jackplate & Smart Tab?
Hello Everyone,
I've scoured the internet regarding porpoising on Checkmate Pulse boats, in my case, a 186 with a Mercruiser 175 Xri mounted to the transom. I have a stainless Stelleto 23p x 14" 3 blade prop (Advantage II series, 10323 m1423).
Right now I can do 58 mph @ 5600 RPM (WOT spec is 5500) with 3/4 tank of gas and 450 pounds of people. That's plenty fast for me. What I'm really after is the elimination of porpoising in the 30-40 mph range. I've considered Smart Tabs, and ultimately may end up with them regardless of whether I buy a jackplate or not. My cavitation plate is about 2" above the pad, and I've read that it should be at least 3" above, perhaps more. Prop centerline is 6" below the pad. I can trim as high as I want at speed without a blowout.
I'm considering a 10" Slidemaster manual jackplate mainly for adjust-ability, with the hope that it may help my porpoising, and the fringe benefit of more speed. Will the jackplate do much for the porpoising? Will simply raising the engine help? I can go up 3 holes right now.
The Pulse jumps out of the hole nicely. But I have considered an aluminum 4 blade prop, perhaps a Nemesis, for drive-train insurance reasons against rocks. I like going fast, but I don't need to wring every last MPH out of the boat. Will a prop like that also help with the porpoising?
Thanks in advance for all of your insights!
EDIT: Though there's not much mention of porpoising, this thread answers many questions about Pulse 185 and 186 setup: http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/sh...t=Pulse&page=3
Grant