Avenger 183 setback and height?

**PostmasterGeneral** · 12-11-2021, 07:06 PM

Been reading here a while, but haven't found an answer, I'm willing to do a little trial and error, but I'm hoping someone can maybe get me close. I have a '87 avenger 183 with a 1998 150hp mercury efi and unknown stainless 3 blade prop. So far I've run 63 with the current set up. I'm looking to put a setback jack plate on it, and not sure where to start. I know there were a lot of these boats out there, so I'm hoping someone here has some advice.

**OnPad** · 12-12-2021, 01:37 PM

Don't have any experience with your boat. But usually can't go wrong with a 8" plate. Height will be determined by engine water pressure. How much weight you want to pack around. Also your propeller.
You will want to check the condition of the transom before adding any setback.

**PostmasterGeneral** · 12-16-2021, 08:49 AM

I'm new to outboards, I've had jets in the past. This is all new to me.
Right now the bow rise is pretty excessive. Unless the trim is all the way down, it just stands up and goes nowhere.
I guess I'll just get an adjustable plate and play with it. I do have a water pressure gauge, so I can keep an eye on that as I lift it.

**David - WI** · 12-16-2021, 09:22 AM

Pretty much all small boats have to be trimmed all the way down to "launch"... and if it starts to bounce or 'porpoise" when cruising you need to add power or trim down.

Before you spend (waste) your money on a setback/jack plate... you really ought to post any number's you can find on your prop and a couple photos of it (including one from the side of the boat with the motor trimmed all the way down). And what rpm you were turning at 63 mph?

There are people here who can get you on the right track with that info.

**PostmasterGeneral** · 12-16-2021, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by David - WI

Pretty much all small boats have to be trimmed all the way down to "launch"... and if it starts to bounce or 'porpoise" when cruising you need to add power or trim down.

Before you spend (waste) your money on a setback/jack plate... you really ought to post any number's you can find on your prop and a couple photos of it (including one from the side of the boat with the motor trimmed all the way down). And what rpm you were turning at 63 mph?

There are people here who can get you on the right track with that info.

Unfortunately there is not a single number on the prop, I've looked over it multiple times. ��
I can definitely snap a few pics this afternoon.
I believe the rpm was about 5400 at 63mph. I only was there for a second cause my wife didn't like it, an I had the Bimini top up and it looked like t was going to rip off.
I plan to take It out, without the wife and Bimini top, and see what if actually does.

**David - WI** · 12-16-2021, 10:18 AM

It's possible the previous owner has it setup "right" and you just need some time behind the wheel to figure out the trim. Might be 10+ mph faster with a little more outboard driving experience.