78 viking help

[ult680]

I have a 78 vking with a 175 2.0 merc with 2:1 gears. Running 5 1/2" setback on a manual jackplate, running about 2" below the pad with a 25 cleaver on it. At about 60mph the thing starts chine walking so bad have to back out. I cant trim up much or the things a handfull. Tried racsing the motor but no help. Any help would be great!

Thanks
Jeff

[Scream And Fly]

Hi Jeff,

What lower unit are you running? Does your engine have solid mounts? Also, do you have dual cable steering? That 25P cleaver is going to be too small with 2:1 gears.

[ult680]

have solid mounts and dual steering, the steering on the swivel has a little movement. Not real bad though. running about 5900 rpms pinned out.

[Scream And Fly]

have solid mounts and dual steering, the steering on the swivel has a little movement. Not real bad though. running about 5900 rpms pinned out.

5900 at WOT with a 25P and 2:1 gears doesn't sound right to me. I would double check that tach or if the engine is running correctly.

[ult680]

not sure on cleaver pitch, no markings on it told by prevous owner it was a 25

[FlowMaxx]

I have found the cleaver to be a bad prop on a viking with 175 power. Round ear prop may be better. Do you nave a lot of seat time in a boat like this? It takes some work to counter the chinewalking. You cant just hold the steering wheel straight and hang on, you have to "rock" back and fourth a little to keep it stable. Happy boating.

[ult680]

Not too much time in it, I was thinking of running a 26 or 28 chopper. I understand the concept of countering the chinewalking, but havnt gotten it down yet.

[ult680]

Just looking at my CMC jackplate, and with the motor setup and mounting 2.5" below the pad is highest it will go. Might need to re-fab jackplate to give more lift. What is the highest I might go so I only need to make mounting brackets once?