Need template - 42 with #6 - cavitation / vent tubes
 

Does anyone have a drill template for installing the cavitation tubes on 42 Lightning with 6 drives? I talked to Reggie - they don't have a template (really??).

If not template, can someone take some measurements for me?

Thanks!
Terry

Got my setup from teague

who,s are you using or building your own ?

Fountain made them - just received over weekend. But no hardware, no gaskets, no template.

Hope they were not to much ?? Teagues were 350.00 each hardware & all .

The tubes go over where the anode is mounted in the underside of the cavitation plate. Anode gets removed and replaced with the bottom plate that has the extractor tube above the prop. Top plate is mounted above this. A hole is drilled through cavitation plate. Just use hole saw slightly smaller than I.D. of top tube. The lower casing is not solid. Use S/S hardware to secure.

My upper tube assembly is a few inches forward of the lower vent tucked in nicer and facing forward , look at Teagues website .

Fountain was a lot more.

My understanding is that you have to have the tube forward of the underside plate. Would you mind taking some measurements on yours (assuming you have Fountain tubes)? I'd like to know distance from the upper gear case to the tube flange.

I just don't want the tubes to hit swim platform at max trim.
Reggie followed up and sent this last night.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]563599[/ATTACH]

If you look @ Teagues web site or I can text you a pic , your drive setup should be the same as my 38 very minimal tilt bur they do not hit about couple inches away from platform . Mine are quite a bit bigger than you show there flange is 1.5 away from upper housing 5 inch flange with 3 inch hose .

Here's a few pictures of my 42' Fountain.

Might be a dump question but what gains did you see on your 42 by adding them and what do you have for power?

Yes those are smaller than mine , they also make good drink holders , 3 inch ID .

???

Yeah - Reggies picture shows flange about 4 3/4" away from gear case. I did not measure the flange diameter on mine (however).

Yours look closer to what 575cat is saying, as far as location. Am I seeing that correctly?

If you are asking me, they help the prop cavitate to aid in getting the boat on plane (with BIG F'n props). I've got 700's.

Being a 700 boat and yours did not come with vent tubes with 6 blades ?

When I bought the boat they were already installed. It does come up on plane quickly. I wouldn't expect any increase in top speed.

I can get you measurements this weekend.

No, it didn't.

I spoke with RB the other day. He is going to take some measurements from his 42 for me.

I've got a 2007 42 with factory 6s and do not have vent tubes. Running 5 blades though with spacers. Pulling motors now to have refreshed, curious to see the outcome with tubes.....

My boat has 37* 6 blades. Most that had 6 blades seem to have the tubes installed.

I do have measurements now (Thanks RBH!) - I'll make a template for drilling, and post a pic here for future reference. Not sure when I'll get to it, but hopefully in the next few weeks.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I just bought a 1999 42 all stock and original with 900's and sixes, do you guys think adding the tubes would help? It has 18 x 28 4 blades. Also does anyone know what props or have any that would give me more top end?

Sorry for the late reply. My b-i-l has a '10 42 Lightning with 700's, 6's and Fountain cav tubes (factory set up) and I am happy to help with any dimensions you may need. If you still do.

I did the surgery last week. ...unfortunately, the pickups under the cav plates weren't made correctly, and would not install. Fountain told me to send them back so they could fix them, but I worried that it would take 2-3 months (that's what it took the first time). So I've got a local machine shop fixing them now.

Ugh. Always something.

Get Teagues they fit perfect , very well made ,heavy duty material , just have to clearance for props . And make nice cup holders .

Terry how much difference did the vent tubes make getting on plane.

After having it both ways, I don't think they help getting on plane, per se. But they do allow the props to spin faster / easier when getting on plane. I have to believe that situation is better for all of the parts involved. Prior, I had to use full throttle due to the load the props put on the engines (17 x 37 6 blades). Now, they spin very freely and will allow the engine to over rev if not careful. The boat does get on plane easier now - but you do have to learn how to manage through the props spinning out.

I still won't win any drag races, but they sure cause a lot of conversations at the docks! LOL

Sounds like they would help me. I need some slip and rpm to get on plane. Current setup I get zero slip and have to lug the motors to get it to plane.

This may be as a result of you having the equivalent torque of a 1986 Turbo Chrysler Labarron.

Oh it's you again! Don't worry I have a plan to put some 26 pitch 4 blades on your boat for the shootout and then I'll throw your prop lock key in the lake.

That would be a wastte!!! Those wheels would work perfect for ur Pile. LOL

True since I'll probably have to pull your pile back 46 miles.