21Ft Skater Questions

[Jim Speros]

I like to keep it simple. The green line is neutral trim, parallel to bottom. The bottom of center arrow tab straight even with bottom. Up is up on both scales.

engines show trimmed way out as it sits on lift. Label on panel is opposite with current engine actuators.

With the tape I can simple look with no need to calculate or think numbers. Just were I am relative to neutral.

[NICE PAIR]

As you did I always referenced my gauge to some known factor, nothing better than the bottom of the boat. I ultimately reversed my gauge so Up was up and down was less. What year is your 28?

[Jim Speros]

She's a '94. 28 number 38 with 3 rd pair of engines. '22 300 R's

[NICE PAIR]

And how does she run with a pair of Rs ?

[Jim Speros]

I am happy with the R's. Not a lick of trouble with them. After 3 seasons I still learning things about the boat and what its capable of. Still fine tuning my propeller selection.

[NICE PAIR]

I am happy with the R's. Not a lick of trouble with them. After 3 seasons I still learning things about the boat and what its capable of. Still fine tuning my propeller selection.

Cool! The 28, even today is a very impressive boat, No doubt, it is better if you and your 28 are good friends.

[Jim Speros]

Mine is the white one with black R's

[NICE PAIR]

Our 96 as purchased in 2007



As I rebuilt it



And ultimately sold it in 2021, It lives in the FL Keys now and has a pair of Merc 350's on it.

[Jim Speros]

The day mine was delivered in May '94

The day I had my new engines hung at Skater. I then brought her home and re rigged her. Start to finish she has received a lot of LOVE.

[Jim Speros]

While I was airing out my 28 today I thought of this thread. I had my 14 degree overhubs on in flat water. At 70 mph it porpoises. There is no trim position that will make it stop. At 80 mph and up there is no trim position that it will even suggest a lope or porpoise. I either cruise slower then 60 or no slower then 80. Most often I cruise at 90 or 100. She just loves going 100 mph. She's god awful, miserable at 70 with that set of props.

Ran to add fuel this am with my 18 degree thru hubs. She lopes gently between 55 and 65. Carries nice and smooth and 70 and above.

I feel I need to mention I don't really care at what speed and how bad it lopes as I always go faster. If it lopes I simply just push the throttles forward and she smooths out.

[Jim Speros]

I spend 95 % of the time trimmed neutral or half bubble in.

[KIRCHNER]

hey jim. out today in the 18s running a drag 4 just a little more addeleration to get it flyin flat. it was choppy, motor was moving around too.much,must be air. planes off easy, jacked way up. still cant hold it w o t. cool , dry air here. what do you think about REMOVING some sand from the nose? adding hasnt done much good for the hop.

[Jim Speros]

If weigh in bow didn't help the hop Yes, remove some or all.

I think there are two scenarios to consider when balancing your boat.
How it runs and will it run best at neutral or slightly in and
How it flies when it leaves the water. Does it kite, stay reasonable level or tend to land bow first? I like it to fly reasonable level and I'm willing to compromise a little top speed for good manners.