1987 Panther Ski Mate

**LukeReid** · 08-09-2021, 04:12 PM

Just purchased a 1987 Panther Ski Mate with a 1994 Mercury 175HP XRI, looking for information and best possible set up for these boats. I can get about 63 MPH out of the boat now but would like to try and get around 70MPH. Also the boat pulls hard to the left when I take my foot off the throttle and was wondering if this is normal or can it be corrected. Should I run only premium gas? Oil Injection is still connected and working but wondering if I should disconnect and mix my gas or just leave it as is? Any information on these boats / motors would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

**David - WI** · 08-09-2021, 04:20 PM

https://www.boatsandplaces.com/a-pai...r-ski-mate-3s/

**LakeFever** · 08-09-2021, 05:07 PM

If your lucky John Spaeth may have built that hull

**FUJIMO** · 08-09-2021, 05:49 PM

**LakeFever** · 08-09-2021, 05:57 PM

I’d ditch the oil injection ASAP. See my engine build thread for why. Also a black box delete is recommended. As for pulling hard when off the gas I believe you have a non ratcheting lower unit which causes the prop to load up when at speed and off throttle. Look for a ratchet type lower to resolve this. Playing with some props and engine height will get you the best speed. 70 might be a tall ask for that motor, hard to say

**David** · 08-09-2021, 08:03 PM

33 year old boats could have issues. If the transom, floor, and core are good, then you can move forward. What is your engine height (centerline of prop shaft relative to bottom of pad)? Current prop, rpm , gps speed? How much trim at top speed?

Most boats can benefit from a jackplate. A six inch manual plate and a prop swap might get you 5 mph.

Checkmate sold old molds to Panther. Not splashes.

**mragu** · 08-09-2021, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by David

33 year old boats could have issues. If the transom, floor, and core are good, then you can move forward. What is your engine height (centerline of prop shaft relative to bottom of pad)? Current prop, rpm , gps speed? How much trim at top speed?

Most boats can benefit from a jackplate. A six inch manual plate and a prop swap might get you 5 mph.

Checkmate sold old molds to Panther. Not splashes.

Dave, Checkmate sold them the starflight molds? Thats what this hull appears to be.

**FUJIMO** · 08-09-2021, 08:40 PM

...i thought the canadian panther ski mate 17, was the old checkmate 17 v-mate ll...

**LukeReid** · 08-09-2021, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the suggestions, I am really enjoying the boat so far just looking for some info and suggestions. Boat runs great and my kids and I are having a blast with it.

**LukeReid** · 08-09-2021, 08:45 PM

My 1987 Ski Mate is 19.5’

**LukeReid** · 08-09-2021, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

I’d ditch the oil injection ASAP. See my engine build thread for why. Also a black box delete is recommended. As for pulling hard when off the gas I believe you have a non ratcheting lower unit which causes the prop to load up when at speed and off throttle. Look for a ratchet type lower to resolve this. Playing with some props and engine height will get you the best speed. 70 might be a tall ask for that motor, hard to say

Thanks for the reply, I will check out your engine build thread and as for deleting the oil injection should I be mixing 50:1? Also what do you mean by black box delete?
The boat is in great shape and the motor has been running great. It currently has a hydraulic Jack plate, hot foot throttle and steering wheel mounted controls for trim and Jack plate. My plan is to put some work into the boat over the winter so just looking for any information or suggestions to think about over the next couple of months. Until then I will just keep cruising. 👍🏻😁

**LukeReid** · 08-09-2021, 09:40 PM

More pictures..

**Muskoka2** · 08-09-2021, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by David - WI

https://www.boatsandplaces.com/a-pai...r-ski-mate-3s/

I had an '81 17' with a 235 Evinrude-did about 75!

**JasonRS** · 08-10-2021, 04:45 AM

Very cool! The top cap looks a little different than a checkmate, looks great!

**LakeFever** · 08-10-2021, 05:02 AM

Black boxes are are electric idle/timing modules that adjust timing and get wonky often which burns down your motor. Delete them and set timing through the lync and synch process. Search out the info here it’s a common thing. Water pressure gauge as mentioned is also wise if raising motor up. Finding the ideal prop for your rig is a ton of fun and you’ll find you will have props for cruising, and props for running hard. In the end many of us run around a 24 pitch for ripping around and around 28 for top speed runs. 17 pitch for skiing

choppers, trophy, tempest, fury, et, all good runners