WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

twin outboard hallett vector

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
Which 250 do you have on yours?
Also what are you seeing speed wise? I’m considering a single engine in the future. That’s why I ask.

The boat came with 19s and 23 pitch Mercury props. I didn’t bother with the 19s and have only ran the 23s so far
2004 Optimax 250xs with a torque master lower. Currently running a 23 Bravo 1 (it’s the four stroke outboard version with the cut down diffuser).

It’ll do an honest 65-68 with 2-3 skis, full cooler, danforth anchor, box anchor, sand spike, spare prop (trophy plus), towels, life vests, tool kit, ropes and whatever other crap everyone brings lol.

Pretty confident I could turn a 24-25 pitch if we unloaded the boat. 300hp would do it no problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DWC

TOOLEY

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2022
Messages
217
Reaction score
284
Man that’s a setback. Probably rides like a 24’?
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
2004 Optimax 250xs with a torque master lower. Currently running a 23 Bravo 1 (it’s the four stroke outboard version with the cut down diffuser).

It’ll do an honest 65-68 with 2-3 skis, full cooler, danforth anchor, box anchor, sand spike, spare prop (trophy plus), towels, life vests, tool kit, ropes and whatever other crap everyone brings lol.

Pretty confident I could turn a 24-25 pitch if we unloaded the boat. 300hp would do it no problem.
That sounds like a nice set up! I love those optimax engines. Would you mind postin some pics of the boat!?
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
Man that’s a setback. Probably rides like a 24’?
It took On a little water. I think maybe through the caps on the top because I checked for leaks before we took it off the trailer and it was dry.
Never been on a 24’ so I dunno. Rides good though!!
 

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
That sounds like a nice set up! I love those optimax engines. Would you mind postin some pics of the boat!?
Just a few I found real quick.
 

Attachments

  • 23770CED-92CF-45A5-BC33-7430F5027435.jpeg
    23770CED-92CF-45A5-BC33-7430F5027435.jpeg
    574.9 KB · Views: 159
  • C93C2C6A-B20D-4C78-ACA2-B3EEB2614850.jpeg
    C93C2C6A-B20D-4C78-ACA2-B3EEB2614850.jpeg
    1.1 MB · Views: 152
  • 3084A50C-345D-4DD4-A64C-E00D7EE8ECBC.jpeg
    3084A50C-345D-4DD4-A64C-E00D7EE8ECBC.jpeg
    686.4 KB · Views: 153
  • 2B16847D-DEBB-4F44-8051-039E9EC3300D.jpeg
    2B16847D-DEBB-4F44-8051-039E9EC3300D.jpeg
    922.5 KB · Views: 155
  • 4E0F1707-8B8D-491E-83A8-249573CC773F.jpeg
    4E0F1707-8B8D-491E-83A8-249573CC773F.jpeg
    561.3 KB · Views: 162
  • 76DCC1C1-1170-4C0C-8EE2-D039C94B60FD.jpeg
    76DCC1C1-1170-4C0C-8EE2-D039C94B60FD.jpeg
    712.4 KB · Views: 156
  • 4554E760-6578-4F9A-A8D6-AC0364E19060.jpeg
    4554E760-6578-4F9A-A8D6-AC0364E19060.jpeg
    742.9 KB · Views: 153
  • IMG_9005.MOV
    16.9 MB

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
oh man that thing is a beauty...i follow you on instagram actually haha

do you get any proposing?
Haha pretty sure you’re a welder 😁.

I have to run a few degrees (level to just a hair down) of tab until I get above 30-35ish. I’m running the prop roughly 1” below the keel. Engine is on a manual jack plate but I’d like to add the motor at some point.

WOT had been working on the boat for the last 6ish years. Kyle says ditch the ballast and then we can talk set up 🤣.

Edit: 2 30 gallon saddle tanks for fuel.
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
Haha pretty sure you’re a welder 😁.

I have to run a few degrees (level to just a hair down) of tab until I get above 30-35ish. I’m running the prop roughly 1” below the keel. Engine is on a manual jack plate but I’d like to add the motor at some point.

WOT had been working on the boat for the last 6ish years. Kyle says ditch the ballast and then we can talk set up 🤣.

Edit: 2 30 gallon saddle tanks for fuel.
Ballast!?
Mines got a 60 gallon belly tank. So same, but different. My engines are a little bit lower than yours. I think prop centerline is 2” below the keel
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
So both my engine tilt pumps leak down over a few hours. One faster than the other
Read on a old Forum that a teeny little o ring goes out in some valves in the pump. The fix is to put a force marine needle seat in place of the oring…. Clearly I’m way too trusting cuz I did it
So far so good… I’ll report in the morning and see if they moved.
CBF1C4BC-FA89-4EEF-B044-B3D8582F2EFE.jpeg 8A28A3B3-B937-487A-8AE6-2D94D174205F.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 118E0423-02C6-4AD8-A64E-75E5F5085A42.jpeg
    118E0423-02C6-4AD8-A64E-75E5F5085A42.jpeg
    786.9 KB · Views: 74

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
Got the boat back to the lake today and everything went well. The boats a complete different ride with engines that are actually running good. It hops up out of the water and planes in a big hurry. Rides great and we couldn’t be happier. Off to needles Friday!


Side note, it can definitely handle more prop. She likes to cruise at 40-45mph which is about 4200 rpm.
We had a top speed of 60 today with the engines trimmed all the way down.
I’m hesitant to mess with trim yet because the engines trim at different speeds and I don’t have trim gauges yet. That’s NEXT!
It accelerates very fast and reaches 60mph in a big hurry which is a ton of fun.
4FCD6FA7-4266-4A04-BF74-156629DB4049.jpeg
02920A20-13A0-4928-B3A5-1B544B6AF6D8.jpeg
902236B8-4136-4485-9064-E18848E5DD74.png
 

Attachments

  • 78FB4094-10CC-40B7-82F9-6CE97EAB6143.png
    78FB4094-10CC-40B7-82F9-6CE97EAB6143.png
    9.1 MB · Views: 111

ChrisV

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2020
Messages
2,983
Reaction score
8,991
Got the boat back to the lake today and everything went well. The boats a complete different ride with engines that are actually running good. It hops up out of the water and planes in a big hurry. Rides great and we couldn’t be happier. Off to needles Friday!


Side note, it can definitely handle more prop. She likes to cruise at 40-45mph which is about 4200 rpm.
We had a top speed of 60 today with the engines trimmed all the way down.
I’m hesitant to mess with trim yet because the engines trim at different speeds and I don’t have trim gauges yet. That’s NEXT!
It accelerates very fast and reaches 60mph in a big hurry which is a ton of fun.
View attachment 1109855
View attachment 1109856
View attachment 1109858
badass man! hard work pays off. Can't wait to see it at the lower river run.
 

Duramax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2015
Messages
1,537
Reaction score
2,427
SO sweet
Got the boat back to the lake today and everything went well. The boats a complete different ride with engines that are actually running good. It hops up out of the water and planes in a big hurry. Rides great and we couldn’t be happier. Off to needles Friday!


Side note, it can definitely handle more prop. She likes to cruise at 40-45mph which is about 4200 rpm.
We had a top speed of 60 today with the engines trimmed all the way down.
I’m hesitant to mess with trim yet because the engines trim at different speeds and I don’t have trim gauges yet. That’s NEXT!
It accelerates very fast and reaches 60mph in a big hurry which is a ton of fun.
View attachment 1109855
View attachment 1109856

So Sweet!!!

I might see you this weekend with Tyler
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
This thing is incredible
Lots of cruising yesterday with my fiancé and good friends.
The thing ran great most of the day. The stand off box is taking on water somewhere. I’d really like to figure out where and get that squared away.
Starboard engine starts idles and runs like a top. Only thing is it smokes like crazy when it’s at idle in gear(900 rpm)
Not sure what that means.
The other one is running good on the top end but at idle it sneezes out of the exhaust and shut off on me a couple times through the gorge.
Other than that we had an amazing day on the water and I’m blown away at how well this thing rides In smooth and rough water.
Such a huge upgrade from my last 17’ boat haha.
A5F0DCB0-2B6A-499F-9A6E-12A520DB2C6E.png
82529DB5-0A3B-43D2-A74C-AE0A7548313B.jpeg

C1646596-6E0F-4FBF-823F-C5365CE208DC.jpeg 59ACBB4E-DE44-4966-BC17-BE17F06558FF.jpeg 1B6E8CD7-9DCC-4805-A1DC-E8E2CA43048E.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • 0374AB97-7034-4F7F-8C46-1FAA7820FA9A.jpeg
    0374AB97-7034-4F7F-8C46-1FAA7820FA9A.jpeg
    930.8 KB · Views: 154
  • 8FE46110-BD23-4DA8-9625-D46D316FBE61.jpeg
    8FE46110-BD23-4DA8-9625-D46D316FBE61.jpeg
    809.1 KB · Views: 156

Riverryder

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,456
Reaction score
3,651
hey she cant see my post here. if she ever changes her mind. i called dibs remember that!! haha
ed921reyes on insta
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
the to do list is dwindling down!
just rebuilt all 6 carbs... again. this time with rebuild kits as i learned a few things about seal swelling and float adjustment that i didnt know the first time around. ran them in a bucket and i seem to have solved my exhaust sneezing issue on one engine and my super smokey mega rich engine also.... wont know till that one is idling in gear under load.

last of the to do was to rebuild the lowers with new impellers, housings and new gear fluid.
one of the lowers was leaking some gear fluid from the holes related to the gear shift shaft area so im replacing that seal... WHAT A B*TCH that thing is. waiting for the bushing removal tool to come in the mail.

after about 69,000 hours in labor....this thing might actually turn out to be a pretty okay working boat 😅

hoping to dip it in the water in needles again this weekend!
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
my good friend has a house with a launch so thats where we dunk em in at.
buuuut probably cancelling the trip... gonna save the efforts for memorial weekend. lookin like elsinore saturday to test out my neighbors new boat also

yeah i fixed the leak in the stand off box. found it by filling it with water. it was a lower corner that we missed because of the bunk blocking us from getting a good look at it
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
For the record. This is Chris’ fault. Starting the trailer remodel. It’s got about 1 pound of tongue weight cuz the axles are not in the right spot. I’m gonna have to move those back at some point. For now, I’m gonna stuff some steel up in the front of the trailer.
1F04C8BB-2318-4BEB-B943-9BE33AD9FE5C.jpeg
7B72CA8D-8797-4D53-BB95-62DD6F95F9C2.jpeg
88428EA7-1CCC-4D1B-9682-D6A3F4CB8145.jpeg
8EFA84D5-B124-4B96-923A-15F8F34CD9F1.jpeg
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
Got the engines moved up to the top hole. Hopefully this helps my low speed porpoise issue.
Ready for needles this weekend!
C0543F20-1CA2-4B97-96DC-C4CB19FEFECD.jpeg 3305A01D-B2CD-49DD-80F3-C9533E5A59C8.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • A3354943-5086-4674-9E8F-692EA88CF21A.jpeg
    A3354943-5086-4674-9E8F-692EA88CF21A.jpeg
    545.8 KB · Views: 90
  • 4D4FFA7E-2245-4271-8161-8C45CAE98739.jpeg
    4D4FFA7E-2245-4271-8161-8C45CAE98739.jpeg
    549.4 KB · Views: 93

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
I’ve been getting tons of little detail type things done lately now that the hard parts are over (kinda)
Added a Bimini top. I’m told it’s not “cool” to have one but with a baby boy on the way a Bimini will keep us on the water longer and that’s pretty damn cool to me! Haha
The boat came with a Bimini top… it was mounted to the old rail it used to have so there were no mounting holes for it yet.
Picked up some quick release mounts from Eddie marine, ripped em apart and powder coated em black
Perfection boat covers re did the canvas and it came out PERFECT. we love it.
Took it to the lower river run and did 80 miles of that run with 4 people, 3 coolers and only used about 20 gallons all day! Can’t complain

This brings me to my next item on the to do list. The boat has porpoise issues at any speed once I start to trim out.
Trimmed all the way in the boat is smooth but rides super wet and snow plows the nose through wakes. Once I start to trim out even the slightest bit we feel the bow rise up out of the water but if I run into another boats wake no matter the size or have to turn we’re galloping around like a pissed off horse lol

Not sure what to do about it as im sure it’s due to my engines being so far back?
I saw Rex marine had a twin ob vector and he had like 2 foot trim tabs… I wonder if that’ll help? Mine are about 10” long off the back and they do nothing at all to change the ride in any position (they’re hydraulic)

Any help is appreciated!
61BB866D-20B1-4BC9-9B7E-B35C13793892.jpeg
 

Crazyhippy

Haters gonna Hate
Joined
Aug 24, 2008
Messages
6,835
Reaction score
5,206
SHit that is a great idea

Do a spare tire or 2 instead... At least those are useful!

Can severely overbuild the mount(s) or fill the mount with lead if you need more weight.
 

Jay Dub

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2020
Messages
1,062
Reaction score
1,212
I’ve been getting tons of little detail type things done lately now that the hard parts are over (kinda)
Added a Bimini top. I’m told it’s not “cool” to have one but with a baby boy on the way a Bimini will keep us on the water longer and that’s pretty damn cool to me! Haha
The boat came with a Bimini top… it was mounted to the old rail it used to have so there were no mounting holes for it yet.
Picked up some quick release mounts from Eddie marine, ripped em apart and powder coated em black
Perfection boat covers re did the canvas and it came out PERFECT. we love it.
Took it to the lower river run and did 80 miles of that run with 4 people, 3 coolers and only used about 20 gallons all day! Can’t complain

This brings me to my next item on the to do list. The boat has porpoise issues at any speed once I start to trim out.
Trimmed all the way in the boat is smooth but rides super wet and snow plows the nose through wakes. Once I start to trim out even the slightest bit we feel the bow rise up out of the water but if I run into another boats wake no matter the size or have to turn we’re galloping around like a pissed off horse lol

Not sure what to do about it as im sure it’s due to my engines being so far back?
I saw Rex marine had a twin ob vector and he had like 2 foot trim tabs… I wonder if that’ll help? Mine are about 10” long off the back and they do nothing at all to change the ride in any position (they’re hydraulic)

Any help is appreciated!
View attachment 1125727
thank you for sharing the build. You have some mad skills for a recreational boater. Regarding the porpoising? You have the belly tank, rear mounted batteries, PLUS the two O/B's hanging off the rear. I would experiment with putting some weight under the bow. I would try to get 150-200 lbs to start. if that works, they make the "fat sacks" for wakeboard boats . You could also move the batteries
 

Riverryder

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,456
Reaction score
3,651
like what jaydub says try adding weight to the bow. see if she settles in a litte more. if not just sell it to me ill figure it out haha
 

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
I’ve been getting tons of little detail type things done lately now that the hard parts are over (kinda)
Added a Bimini top. I’m told it’s not “cool” to have one but with a baby boy on the way a Bimini will keep us on the water longer and that’s pretty damn cool to me! Haha
The boat came with a Bimini top… it was mounted to the old rail it used to have so there were no mounting holes for it yet.
Picked up some quick release mounts from Eddie marine, ripped em apart and powder coated em black
Perfection boat covers re did the canvas and it came out PERFECT. we love it.
Took it to the lower river run and did 80 miles of that run with 4 people, 3 coolers and only used about 20 gallons all day! Can’t complain

This brings me to my next item on the to do list. The boat has porpoise issues at any speed once I start to trim out.
Trimmed all the way in the boat is smooth but rides super wet and snow plows the nose through wakes. Once I start to trim out even the slightest bit we feel the bow rise up out of the water but if I run into another boats wake no matter the size or have to turn we’re galloping around like a pissed off horse lol

Not sure what to do about it as im sure it’s due to my engines being so far back?
I saw Rex marine had a twin ob vector and he had like 2 foot trim tabs… I wonder if that’ll help? Mine are about 10” long off the back and they do nothing at all to change the ride in any position (they’re hydraulic)

Any help is appreciated!
View attachment 1125727
I’m wondering if those props are lifting the stern as well?

From when you and I talked it sounds like you can’t get the bow to carry. How does it run with neutral trim?

Do you think you’re over trimming trying to get the nose up?
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
thank you for sharing the build. You have some mad skills for a recreational boater. Regarding the porpoising? You have the belly tank, rear mounted batteries, PLUS the two O/B's hanging off the rear. I would experiment with putting some weight under the bow. I would try to get 150-200 lbs to start. if that works, they make the "fat sacks" for wakeboard boats . You could also move the batteries
Thank you for the compliment and input sir. I will forsure try some weight up in the bow next trip out we usually put a 36 can AO right under the dash but aside from that we really don’t put much else up there.
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
I’m wondering if those props are lifting the stern as well?

From when you and I talked it sounds like you can’t get the bow to carry. How does it run with neutral trim?

Do you think you’re over trimming trying to get the nose up?
I’m new remember…. What does neutral trim mean?

Compared to my old boat… I don’t think I’m over trimming to get the bow up. It comes up with just a few clicks of the button but that’s when the bounce house starts too haha
 

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
I’m new remember…. What does neutral trim mean?

Compared to my old boat… I don’t think I’m over trimming to get the bow up. It comes up with just a few clicks of the button but that’s when the bounce house starts too haha
Lol neutral would be the propeller shafts running parallel with the bottom of the boat.

You could check it on the trailer at the ramp, launch and run it. Keep that as a reference when you’re looking at the trim gauge.

Only issue is that your gauge isn’t probably 100% accurate. That and you have 2 motors you need to adjust.
 

ChrisV

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2020
Messages
2,983
Reaction score
8,991
Lol neutral would be the propeller shafts running parallel with the bottom of the boat.

You could check it on the trailer at the ramp, launch and run it. Keep that as a reference when you’re looking at the trim gauge.

Only issue is that your gauge isn’t probably 100% accurate. That and you have 2 motors you need to adjust.
Learn something everyday.
 

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
Only issue is that my trim gauge isn’t 100% existent…. Meaning I ain’t got that lol
😂😅
Well that’s gonna be hard to fine tune while driving by the seat of your pants lol.

It might be helpful to go launch early in the morning and leave the trailer in the water. Trying running the motors at different trims, but don’t touch the trim until you’re back on the trailer. Pull out and take a look at the prop shafts in relation to the hull.

At a minimum you’d know how under or over trimmed you are.
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
Ima say it definitely porpoises with the props at neutral. Cuz they go pretty far negative and if I tap the trim button even twice it’ll start bouncing
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
thank you for sharing the build. You have some mad skills for a recreational boater. Regarding the porpoising? You have the belly tank, rear mounted batteries, PLUS the two O/B's hanging off the rear. I would experiment with putting some weight under the bow. I would try to get 150-200 lbs to start. if that works, they make the "fat sacks" for wakeboard boats . You could also move the batteries


Also, Should I not bother with longer trim tabs?
 

obnoxious001

Engine building character
Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
6,488
Reaction score
3,876
Mike Guardalabene, owner of Rex Marine had a twin outboard Vector as a training boat for ski racing. Sorry, image quality sucks, tiny photo in their catalog copied with cell phone.

IMG_20220614_135500045~2[1].jpg
 

Duramax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2015
Messages
1,537
Reaction score
2,427
Also, Should I not bother with longer trim tabs?
Couple things.... I still think your motors are mounted too low and that is causing some of your porpoise issues. Engines are dragging and pushing the front end down. Then, at speed, your spray rails are helping lift the bow up again.

Props are huge in this equation too.. In my Daytona for example, my four blade clevers really lift the transom. When I get to 85ish, I get a porpoise because the front is being lifted by the wind but then is being pushed down by the lift I am getting from the transom. With my 3 blade clevers it is a different world. They carry the front fantastic and never a porpoise.

Those big trim tabs are used to adjust the the attitude of the boat when you are flying in the rough. It was built as a ski race boat, correct? Not to slam them down so the boat doesn't porpoise. It's like dragging an anchor.

Jack plates and a ton of prop testing would be my bet.

And yes, bimini top is life with kids! Yours is bad ass!
 
Last edited:

Riverryder

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,456
Reaction score
3,651
Got the engines moved up to the top hole
@Duramax looks like jack plates are next if you think they are to low...


think the wait would help more especially if it was a skit race boat. ski race boats have ballast up front correct?
 

Duramax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2015
Messages
1,537
Reaction score
2,427
@Duramax looks like jack plates are next if you think they are to low...


think the wait would help more especially if it was a skit race boat. ski race boats have ballast up front correct?
Yeah, I know he is maxed out, so jack plates are it. It will make all the difference. Think of all that drag from those motors pushing the front down, but then the spray rails trying to lift it.

It's a lose, lose..
 

Duramax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2015
Messages
1,537
Reaction score
2,427
@Duramax looks like jack plates are next if you think they are to low...


think the wait would help more especially if it was a skit race boat. ski race boats have ballast up front correct?
Yes, but I would bet they would only fill the front ballast tank if they couldn't control the attitude of the boat with the tabs.
 

MARCYTECH

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2020
Messages
235
Reaction score
535
the thing is.. if i do jack plates then the engines would be even FURTHER back because theyd have to be mounted to the big box thats back there now.
its going to be a big project to get that engine mount box off. its going to have to be cut off, all bolt holes sealed (theres about 25) and then im sure the transome will need alot of gel repair. something i can not do till winter time. quite honestly im trying my hardest to not to have to take that box off because if i did, then id probably just mount one 300 xs on it and be done with it lol.

currently the prop center line is 2" below the bottom of the boat with everything level.

currently running mirage 23p props. i have some 19p laser II props at home that i can try? not sure if those will give me more bow lift over these or not..
im guessing with a 19 ill spin more rpm and lose top end
prop testing sounds real effing expensive
 

hallett21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
17,038
Reaction score
20,528
Can you have 15” mid sections made for that era 150?
 
Top