170 DC engine height

[jomerc]

When I bought my 170 DC I had issues with steering and the boat pulling.
I have an Evinrude Etec 75Hp.
If you look at the steering mechanism there is a rod, which slides into a sleeve when you turn to the right. This is the side that is difficult to steer to.
The dealer played with the height of the engine to minimise the steering difficulties.
The other night whilst down the river I was looking at other boats and noticed that their engines seemed to be much higher on the transom than mine.
So I wanted to know what height is your engine at?
We could count the mounting holes or measure the centre of the prop to the top of the transom.
I ordered a stabilizer plate from Bob’s Machine shop. It arrived so quickly considering Perth West Australia is a long way a way.
As for winterising the boat on Christmas day it was 44.2 degrees that’s a 111.5 f
Thanks in advanced.
Joseph

[Davekfl]

Joseph
I have a 2004 170 Bass with a 60hp Yamaha 4 stroke. For comparison purposes my engine has 4 mounting holes on the top and bottom of engine. The top hole used is the second from the top and is about two inches from top of the transom. The transom cutout is lower at the point of the engine mount.
On the bottom 4 holes the second from the top hole is used for mounting and this hole is about 10 inches from the top of the transom. The center of the prop is about 28 inches from the top of the transom. You will have to do the conversion to metric if thats what you guys use in the other part of the world!!!! Hope this helps.
Davekfl

[Putershark]

Here is your conversion page if needed

http://www.onlineconversion.com/

[jack7265]

On average boats, it is best to mount the engine so the cavitation plate is approximately even with the bottom of boats. For racing boats, better speeds can be attained by raising the engine to reduce lower unit drag and exhaust backpressure. Best transom height can only be determined by experimenting … get the engine as high as possible, or to the point just before propeller cavitates excessively.

[fridaysoff]

Joseph,
The stabilizer plate from Bobs should help a lot. I used one on my 170CC. Play with the Zinc anode that will be behind the stabilizer plate. It turns to the left or right when loose. It looks like a rudder (which it is) It helps control the pull that you get from the torque of that big 75 HP Etec. Jack7265 was right about the cavitation plate of the motor should be level with the bottom of the boat for best results. Good luck.
John D.

[jomerc]

Then again I could just send a picture.
Hope this works have not tried to attach a photo before.

[jack7265]

jomerc, another method I've used to check the engine height is to check the level of the water as it passes the anticavitation plate while you're on plane. The level of the water should be at about between the middle of the anticavitation plate to the top of the cavitation plate. If the top of the anticavitation plate is more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the level of the water, you'll probably want to consider raising the engine. Check the distance between your mounting holes before you change the height of your engine. If the distance of the holes is greater than the distance between the top of the anticavitation plate to the level of the water passing over it, leave it as is.