SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

I have a 1997 Eagle, 502 Mag., M-3 Procharger 5lbs., have just dialed in the motor. Everything is going great, but I am just installing hydralic steering and want to know what others have experienced with handling of this hull?

I think this hull is very sweet. It handles rough water much better than I thought a 25 footer would. It is very, very efficient and has no handling flaws.....that is til I get past 75mph at which time I notice a tendency to chine walk that I must steer out of(i.e. slightly turn right). I am running a 30p. stock Bravo prop which will only turn at 4800 r.p.m. , 84m.p.h. on the GPS.

I know hydraulic steering will help with handling. Is this enough? Do I need tabs? I think this is a fantastic boat and I want to make it as safe as possible.

Thanks in advance from Corvette City, Eric

28Eliminator

I would try the steering first, it really makes it alot more stable. Also try different props and you may find that the chine may go away. If you went with a lab prop your rpm's will go up to 5100/5200. Do you know what your rev limiter is set to? If it is stock, then you will probably hit the limiter, but you can get it reprogramed higher.
A buddie of mine has a 25 and it rides great also, but his is stock and don't have the chine walk problem. Also how high do you have to trim it, and does it make any difference on the chime.

SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the reply Rockie,

When the boat was stock, it only happened one time. It happens when the boat is trimmed up. But the boat really doesn't require a lot of trim. I have limited seat time right now and have been pretty conservative with the trim and with the time at W.O.T. because I have been running at W.O.T for 30 to 45 seconds and then shut the motor down to read the spark plugs. But so far the more trim the more speed(fun.) I think with more trim I might get to 5000. What prop does your friend run?

My rev limiter is stock (5000), and I prefer to keep it there to give more longevity. My experience with this type of boat is limited. Flatbottom V-drives do not chine walk.(They just instantly blow over!)

25 Eagle

KY...84mph has got to be a wild ride. All Seasons Marine[see 28' cat for sale in this months Hot Boat mag] used to run a 25' and said 85 is about all you would want to handle in a 25. Goodluck and be safe.

28Eliminator

He is running a 24P Bravo1 and doing about 70 (good day). I really think you will notice alot with the steering. Just going to have to wait and see. You maybe hitting the top of the boats limits. The pad is fairly small and you might be just riding on it at those speeds. I think you better stay with that prop, if you get it trimed all the way out you will be close to the rev limiter.

SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Rockie, I think I'll keep the current prop as it does not cavitate at all like my labbed 26" p., I can even pull my 6 year old skiing at a mere 18 m.p.h. I must be getting sick or something but I think I might be going fast enough....it might be possible.
Erid

Top Elimn8r

My 26 has to have tabs, I don't know how anyone with a 26 eliminator eagle xp can do without. At 60+ mph when trimming up for speed, the boat starts to porpose, and the only why to get rid of that it to bring the tabs down five degrees. The 25 Eliminator's hull is amazing, 2.5 mph faster then the exact equipped 26. For some reason putting alittle tab down on the 26 gives you a extra 1 mph. I wonder if it is the same on the 25.

SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

TopElimn8r,
What brand and length of tab do you use?

Top Elimn8r

Dual ram Bennett tabs. I do not know what size they are.