Few questions – 2013 Puma FTD 250 Pro XS

Been having a blast putting in time with my "new to me" toy. My last boat was a 2005 Puma with 250 Verado so this is a bit of a different experience. The boat has 4 batteries, one power pole and came with a 25P fury. The jack plate was set about 1/2 inch above flush. The hole shot was great, excellent mid range acceleration, but I was seeing about 68 mph at 5500 rpm, plus significant left torque. Im sure there was more speed to be had, but it was a handful to say the least. I was running about 1/3 to 1/2 trim.So thanks to Ivan, I lowered the plate to flush. I also borrowed a friends 26P Fury who runs the same setup except his boat is a 2011. He runs 75 mph tournament loaded all day.I made some solo runs and found hole shot great and much easier to drive. I was seeing 72 mph at around 5600-5700 rpm. It was a handful at this speed and Im sure seat time comes into play. I was running about 1/2 to 1/3 trim.I fished a tournament last weekend with my dad, and Im not sure I could have run it to 70 if I wanted to although conditions didnt really allow for that type of run. Im not a guy who wants to run 80, just want the boat to perform to its abilities. Ill be trying the 25 fury once it comes back from being B & Bd.Any advice on setup is welcome and what should I realistically expect? I should also mention that the linkage had to be adjusted due to a fast idle when shifting into neutral...not sure if this has anything to do with it.Next...while fishing the tournament, my dad noticed some water while looking through the floor drain and we quickly noticed water coming out the top of the live wells with the aerator running...lol. Im guessing the overflow is plugged?? Turned on the bilge, pumped out the water and had zero issues rest of the day while making sure not to overfill the live well.Second last...when I took the prop off to return to my buddy the nut was snug, but not tight as when I put it on. Washers were put on thickest, thinnest, then medium thickness. Has anyone else experienced this before?? Lastly...I have a vent scoop on the starboard side but no intake scoop on the port side. Where does the air get into the bilge area??All very minor things and figured Id ask here where I know Ill get an accurate answer.I absolutely love this boat and dread the thought of ice on our lake!!Thanks in advance, Shane

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 6 months ago by northern basser.

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September 27, 2016 at 6:04 pm #280807

mike dominick
Participant

I have the exact same boat and year, my plate is also about flush. I think you are probably trying to trim up too much. That boat doesnt need much trim, bring it up and when you feel it starting to fly tap it down a notch or two. The overflow cannot keep up with the aerator, fill it up and just run the recirc. I am running a Croxton worked 25 Fury with added 3/8 holes for holeshot, this weekend I was running solo at 77mph with 20 gallons of gas at 1000 feet elevation. I normally run 72-74 with 2 guys at 2400 feet altitude here in Montana. Once you get some seat time you can drive that boat at 75 with one hand.

September 27, 2016 at 6:33 pm #280808

northern basser
Participant

mike dominick wrote:I have the exact same boat and year, my plate is also about flush. I think you are probably trying to trim up too much. That boat doesnt need much trim, bring it up and when you feel it starting to fly tap it down a notch or two. The overflow cannot keep up with the aerator, fill it up and just run the recirc. I am running a Croxton worked 25 Fury with added 3/8 holes for holeshot, this weekend I was running solo at 77mph with 20 gallons of gas at 1000 feet elevation. I normally run 72-74 with 2 guys at 2400 feet altitude here in Montana. Once you get some seat time you can drive that boat at 75 with one hand.Thanks for the tips Mike. I totally agree that seat time will be the answer and that Im likely over trimming. I found the 25P to have better midrange and even with 2 big guys the boat would get to 68 mph like right now.I look forward to trying the 25P when I get it back.Do you find that the boat will accelerate to a certain point really quick and the last few mph takes some time? My last boat would run about 70 on a Bravo 26P and didnt chime at all. Going over 70 mph is unchartered territory for me, so I also may be a little cautious when it decides to dance.Think Ill read that post on chime walking again.Ive got lots to learn, but Im having a blast doing it.

September 27, 2016 at 8:10 pm #280809

mike dominick
Participant

Youre right, that last little bit will take some time. Bump up the trim a little at a time, when it starts to walk, bump down a tap, eventually its second nature.

September 27, 2016 at 8:49 pm #280810

Redngoo
Participant

Im kno speed demon by far! In fact just a 200 pro xs. But wat I have learned. For me the object is to prevent the chime from happening!. When it starts just trim down and go at it again. For me the ideal is to HOLD IT UP ON THE PAD. Eventually you will feel it trying to fall off . And correct it before it ever even chimes. Wat seems to work for me . Is just a little leftward pressure on the steering wheel.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

September 27, 2016 at 11:34 pm #280811

northern basser
Participant

Thanks guys…really appreciate the advice!! This is one awesome machine and any excuse to get in the seat is fine with me!!

October 12, 2016 at 1:34 am #280812

northern basser
Participant

I bought a 24P Razor 4 a couple years ago and it ran quite well on my 2005 Puma with 250 VROD. I figured Id give it a go on this boat and boy the hole shot was not good. Id punch the gas and it was like there was a hesitation and then it would slowly build up enough rpm to get on step. Once up, I could only turn it to 5400 or so and 62 mph.Has anyone else tried the razor 4 on a puma 250 Pro XS? Looks like I may have to sell this one and look at a razor 4 XL for my second prop…or maybe a fury 4.

October 12, 2016 at 1:45 am #280813

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I would wait for your 25 Fury to get back before you buy another prop, or buy the 25 Fury 4 and let us all know how it does.

October 12, 2016 at 2:04 am #280814

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Heres the explanation on operation from the FAQ section. http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/131 … wer-FamilyThe Freshwater in is not an Aerator and Manual on the aeration overpowers the overflow as these are 1,000 GPH pumps. Timers will not overwhelm the overflow and it will keep up on timers.

October 12, 2016 at 2:11 am #280815

northern basser
Participant

I agree that the 25 fury will be very close to perfect when I get it back. I would have never guessed the razor would run so different to the 26 fury. I had my wife with me for her first ride and Im sure she thought the motor was acting up…not good!! Im really just thinking about my second prop and am also curious about the fury 4.
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