So I did a complete resto-mod on a 1990 23' Eliminator and installed a pair of Hydrotec Stage 2 Yamaha 300 VMax HPDI's. I specifically chose this hull because of the handling advantages of the pod cat design, as I do mostly river and small lake riding. I chose the engines because they are fuel efficient and unique.

I've just finished up and took it to the river for a shakedown.

Problem is. . . I've never so much as ridden in a pickelfork, cat, tunnel V, ModVP, or pod-cat, let alone driven one. My experience has only been in semi-fast single OB V's.

I have no idea how to drive this boat. Nobody bothered to tell me about chine-walk on my first time out in a fast V and it scared the poo out of me. I don't want to make that same ignorant mistake again.

- How do you trim it for holeshot?
- How do you trim it at cruise?
- How do you trim it at high speeds?
- Anything specifically to avoid?
- What to look out for that indicates something bad is about to happen?
- What do do when something bad is happening?
- What is the most efficient way to drive it when not going for all-out top speed?

Any input would be appreciated.

Mike

C'mon, guys. . . 60 views and not a single shred of advice? Help a newbie out!

I took it out today and ran it about 15 miles trying to get a feel for it. The biggest noticeable difference between the 23' cat and my old 21' vee is that it rides better. I crossed several boat wakes and found myself tensing up and cringing for impact and then nothing.

Otherwise, I noticed that between 45 and 50 mph (I did not go over 50), the bow seems to rise up on it's own. This is an odd sensation for someone who's always lifted the bow using trim.

I would go to www.Screamandfly.com a lot more outboard cat guys over there. I have never driven a larger pod cat, but my 21 Liberator is easy to drive, just point and shoot.

All cats will rise at some speed, with the pod it makes sense that is starts to rise at 50 or so. Just watch your trim, too much and you might get more bow rise that you want.

Spend the time and money on a high performance boating course the likes Tres Martin or John Tomlinson - to them handling is second nature and can give you instruction on exactly what and how your boat should handle at speed. Basically they answer every question you asked in your first post!

Time in a class is better than an accident statistic. Not trying to be negative to your experience but like anything - its hard to get a feel for something when you are nervous to begin with venturing into new territory.......just $.02 worth if you have no one local to turn to for GOOD advise

OK i had a 25Motion with twin 280s on it. Boat ran 110-118Mph For top end it liked motors high on jack plates the only problem became water PSI.
To get on plane for sure trimmed in all the way. Trim for cruise changing all the time just play with trim you can tell when boat is free and most happy. Very fun boat be safe have fun!!!

Skydog P.S. Talk to Bblades on Props i gained like 8+MPH with prop work!!!!!!