Perfomance Issue with my 520C

tankyota · Post by **tankyota** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:18 pm

Hello!
I have a 2008 Ranger 520c, with a Merc 250, Bob's jack plate, and a tempest prop. I can't seem to find the sweet spot for my jack plate....
I have set it at 1.5 below pad and tried messing around from there, but it seems like the back end is really loose when I start trimming up, and I have slow way down to turn.
I was wondering if someone who has a lot of experience with Ranger's could make a recommendation as to where I should set it for a good balance of handling and speed???
Thanks so much!
AK

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:58 pm

Where do you live? If possible I'd like to drive it. That boat lifts a LOT. For performance you'll never use full trim...probably 3/4 or slighter more. Depending on the height of mounting...I'd guess this.....run plate all the way down....then raise it 1 1/2 to 2 inches. A lower setting gives more BITE for the prop. As you go up with the plate...watch water pressure and GPS speed. You'll see speed climb...in the winter time you can go up a bit in height and boat will run better in colder temps.

Also, going to high can let boat break loose in high speeds going over boat wakes...also going high creates lots of torque in the steering wheel.

Just trying to throw out a bunch of things that you probably know, but another reader might not.

If we live anywhere close....I'd be happy to run it.

tankyota · Post by **tankyota** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:13 pm

Thanks so much Gary! I live in Santa Barbara, but I'm on the road a ton fishing. Delta yesterday, probably clear lake next weekend... My in-laws live close to clear lake so I'm up there all the time.
Thanks for all your ideas. The only thing I can say, which is part of what I'm having trouble with, is the boat seem to have more bite with the plate set at about 2, and the motor trimmed a little less, than with it set at about 1.5 and more trim.. but I don't know much about this stuff.
It would be great if you could take it for a run at some point..
Thanks so much!
August

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:37 pm

It sounds right in the neighborhood of where I thought It'd run the best. My last 520 ran best at 2 to 2 1/2" up....I know 2 1/2" was a tiny bit more than some I've ran. Boats don't run the best at Clear Lake...but do run the best on the Delta. Either place is close to me. I'll be on Delta for Don Lee Event on 13th...just a shot in the dark in case you were up here. I'm about 1 1/2 hours from Delta or Clear Lake....about 50 minutes from Oroville. I'll be going to the US Open but after that...let's hook up when your up this way. I can quickly find sweet spot on the plate and you'll be able to do it just as good from then on.... Honestly, to fine tune a set-up it can vary a little from lake to lake ( Elevation and temps) and time of year. But, I think you're very close or on it already at 2" up on the plate. I think you're better at it than you're giving yourself credit for.

tankyota · Post by **tankyota** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 6:32 pm

Thanks so much. Yes I'still love to have you run it at some point and throw some tips my way, especially since I fish so many different bodies of water. From my lakes down here (Lopez and Naci) to the big boys up there.
Good luck at the open!! My buddy Rich Tauber almost got me to sign up this year, but I'm trying to learn clear lake better by the end of the year!
Thanks again Gary! Keep in touch!
August K

Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com