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-   -   32' Midnight restoration project (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/midnight-express/252588-32-midnight-restoration-project.html)

captaincraiger 08-09-2011 10:28 AM


Originally Posted by CanDo (Post 3473636)
Just lower your center motor down to the level of the outside two engines. Then also add an L-shaped transom mounted water director plate. The miracle plates,(Merc gearcase water intake plates) I would only use as a last resort. Should be good to go. Of course, you know the real solution to your water-pressure woes. Cresents gearcases. Then they can all go up a bit, and still have plenty of pressure. But, you know that...lol. You got your lefty in the center?

The engines are all the way down to lowest mounting point. The counter unit is mounted on the stbd side. I have the engines turning inward. I knew when center engine was mounted that I might have cooling problems. I have a bolt on low water pickup that I got from Scott Portta many years ago & I am going to try that first before going to try miracle plates. I am just not sure if the low water pickup will stay on at high speeds. I tried calling Scott last year to see if I could get some more but they discontinued making them, not sure what the problem was but they had a great idea. I am off to Bimini for the weekend so I will be back testing & tuning next week, I will keep you posted & I will take a picture of the bolt on low water pickup.

Craig

captaincraiger 08-09-2011 08:22 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Here is a picture of the low water pickup that I am going to install on the center lower unit. I hope it works to fix the overheat problem. Will keep you updated next week with next sea trial.

Craig

Twin O/B Sonic 08-10-2011 05:45 AM

Awesome stuff Craig! Can't wait to see it in person.
A cooling trick I use on O/B's jacked to the moon is to plug the top 1/2 of the water intakes. This keeps the pump from cavitating and forces it to pull from the bottom only.
Motors are high enough on this Sonic that w/same set up as last one it struggles to bite hard enough to plane but does not over heat once up.

CanDo 08-10-2011 10:46 AM


Originally Posted by captaincraiger (Post 3473795)
The engines are all the way down to lowest mounting point. The counter unit is mounted on the stbd side. I have the engines turning inward. I knew when center engine was mounted that I might have cooling problems. I have a bolt on low water pickup that I got from Scott Portta many years ago & I am going to try that first before going to try miracle plates. I am just not sure if the low water pickup will stay on at high speeds. I tried calling Scott last year to see if I could get some more but they discontinued making them, not sure what the problem was but they had a great idea. I am off to Bimini for the weekend so I will be back testing & tuning next week, I will keep you posted & I will take a picture of the bolt on low water pickup.

Craig

I remember when Scott made those, they worked pretty good. Scott is one innovative individual, for sure. Have fun at the 25th Anniversary "Bimini Vice" Bash. Who you going as? Tubbs...or Crockett...or Daisy? lol Have fun.

CIG3 08-11-2011 03:55 PM

Call Hydromotive 330-425-4266. They used to make a low water pickup nosecone that worked great.

CIG3 08-11-2011 04:00 PM

Another good source. http://www.bobsmachine.com/Products/...ne_Bigfoot.cfm

captaincraiger 08-14-2011 08:22 PM


Originally Posted by CanDo (Post 3475151)
I remember when Scott made those, they worked pretty good. Scott is one innovative individual, for sure. Have fun at the 25th Anniversary "Bimini Vice" Bash. Who you going as? Tubbs...or Crockett...or Daisy? lol Have fun.

Scott is very innovative, I plan on having it installed this week , weather permitting.
I went as Crockett, We had a Blast over there, weekend goes by way to fast, I was there from Thursday morning till today. We had a great crossing both ways. We got lots of Lobster, freezer is full. Sundance Marine does a great job on making sure everybody has a good time & the goombays were flowing. I will keep you updated as progress goes this week.

Craig

captaincraiger 08-15-2011 07:43 AM

2 Attachment(s)
First picture is a picture of my Sundance 26 that we took over to Bimini & second picture is me on the right at the Miami Vice Bash in Bimini.

captaincraiger 08-20-2011 04:58 PM

Another attempt at solving overheating problem on center engine, not solved yet but engine not overheating at 4000 rpm's but soon as you turn up the rpm's with engine trimmed all the way down, temp starts rising. Rains have come & washed out the rest of the day, doing some work on the trailer, leaving boat in the water overnight. Taking a gps with me tomorrow morning to get a speed test. Will keep you updated tomorrow.

captaincraiger 08-21-2011 01:26 PM

I sea trialed boat this morning 74.6 mph gps. I am happy with the speed so far. I need to find some more props to tryout. Still having overheat problems, But discovered after pulling boat out of the water that the low water pickup that I installed is blowing out the silicone and letting the water to bypass it. I guess there is alot of pressure there. I have a set of miracle plates to install. That is the project for this week. Will keep you updated on next sea trial.


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