1987 Panther Ski Mate

[V-bottom]

That is a great all round lake boat. I had a 1987 18'6 panther with a 175 opti that would see 70 with a 27 Tempest. Your boat is a little larger so maybe try a 25 pitch and hope for 65-68.

[kellytheaker]

Nice - I agree . Little hot rod to ski behind - enjoy

[LukeReid]

That is a great all round lake boat. I had a 1987 18'6 panther with a 175 opti that would see 70 with a 27 Tempest. Your boat is a little larger so maybe try a 25 pitch and hope for 65-68.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am definitely going to play around with a few things and I will try out a different prop as well.

[LukeReid]

Thank you for all the information. I am going to play around with a few things for the rest of the summer and will be doing some work on the boat and motor over the winter months.
The engine was redone about 7 years ago by Speedmaster Marine so I have reached out to them as well to see exactly what work was done on the engine.

[LukeReid]

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

Thank you for all the information. I am going to play around with a few things for the rest of the summer and will be doing some work on the boat and motor over the winter months.
The engine was redone about 7 years ago by Speedmaster Marine so I have reached out to them as well to see exactly what work was done on the engine.

[LakeFever]

I think you'll find the set up is far more crucial than the engine power level. If its a good runner, thats all you need. I took a 75 on my Vandal from mid 40's to almost 60 just by messing with engine height and props and driving. Its a lot of fun working the set up and props are basically cost free if you keep them in the condition you buy them in they will sell at the same or close enough to price that its not a worrying expense. Beware though, its easy to start hoarding good props lol

[Bodhi]

Beautiful boat you bought! The oil tank and the black boxes that Lake was talking about are a must, simple job. As far as the pulling problem on deceleration, agreed that a ratcheting lower would help, but if that's not in the cards at this time, a jackplate will ease this up alot with engine height. That also leads to adding a low water nose cone on the lower for water pick up.
Keep this thread going with any questions and updates and there are many many knowledgeable speedfreaks here who can help you achieve your end goal