Tabs are the main issue that I see. Bottom paint can take a few mph out of it too. My bracket is high but yours seem especially high so that is likely causing you to run the tabs down and motor tucked in which creates the turbulence interfering with the prop as well as extra drag.

It not going to be an easy fix but its totally fixable. Pull the motor, bracket and tabs. I don't know if those are scuppers on the outside but that is where the tabs need to be so new tab plate brackets will need to be modified (cut) to go around the scuppers. Fill and patch all holes, patch paint, drill and remount. It's a big job but nothing that couldn't be done in a week with about $1,700 in supplies including new tabs and bolts. The difference in performance would be priceless.

I agree the money is worth it. I had planned to move the tabs so I guess I will start there and see how it goes. Any reason that I wouldn't reuse the tabs that are there now?

You could but I would go with the biggest plates possible. Your bracket height is still very high and will continue to fight you but not as much as the tabs are now. Just for reference, my bracket is on the high side of acceptable. Also, consider a 4 blade prop.

I have to agree wasn’t able to get over this weekend hopefully Monday now and try to check the motor height. I would say starting with the tabs is the cheapest place to start. I have a issue with my ladder location on my bracket that limited me to a 12 x 9” tab but wish I had caught the issue before hand and was planning on the 12 x 12” tabs . Feel like the extra length would be a noticeable help and relocating outward will also help.

Thanks guy I will start there and see what it does. I don't mind spending money to get this fixed time is my biggest issue.

Just seeing this....sorry to hear about this mazz....there was an old thread on this when I was mounting bracket:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...p?t-19075.html

Im still running my old 250 DI and a 15x15 stainless OMC. I hated the viper!

I am about 3 3/4 to cav plate from flat keel.
Setback is 28"
Bracket keel is 4" above boat keel.

Hey Hermit! Yes this didn’t go as planned lol. I will get it sorted out I hope. I guess the logic to raise the bracket was justified in theory at the time of repower but I guess it might have opened up a new can of worms. Thanks for the measurements and the link I’m going to move the tabs this week. I hope you have a good season and if you want to try for a giant this year the invite is always open just let me know.

Just got to check my cav. plate 30” bracket and I’m at 5 1/2” above the keel . I’m wondering if the flat bottom vs a v bottom bracket is / would make a difference?
I’m not sure I could raise it that high with a 3 blade prop but the 4 blade likes it.

Thank you for the info I got the tabs moved old holes filled and glassed over. I hopefully can get some gel coat on it soon to finish the process and get it on the water to see what it is like now. I will try to get my hands on a 4 blade to try out. Again thank you everyone for the help I will update faster sea trial.

Thought I’d add these pictures hopefully they might be of some help.