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Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
#12836834
07/21/18 10:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400
markson
OP
Angler
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400 |
After finding out last year that the 200 hp SHO on my boat was a factory constrained kitten needing to become a beast, I finally pulled the trigger and got my ECU flashed to over 300 hp and the boat setup done by a couple of Pros. Here is a report of my experiences and results so far.
ECU Flash by Steve at Hydro Dynamics (with stock rev limiter) - I emailed Steve my VMAX SHO model year, model number and serial number. He sent that info to Nizpro in Australia and they sent him the correct flash profile for my outboard. When I got to his shop, Steve immediately removed my ECU, flashed it and reinstalled it, which only took about 30 minutes. After the prop and boat setup was complete he followed me to the ramp, helped my launch my boat, gave me some much needed pre-flight instructions and then helped me load my boat when I returned. We spoke at length about my experiences and results and what I should do next to get better performance and driving results.
Prop & Boat setup by Josh at Steve's Custom Props - After setting an appointment with Steve for the ECU flash, I emailed Josh for his prop recommendation. He said he would get one balanced and blueprinted for me and have it ready for install. After the flash was done, Josh immediately removed my old prop and installed the new one with the correct hub kit. Then we moved my boat to a level spot and he began setting the boat up by measuring the prop to pad distance. After some quick calculations he determined that the motor was WAY too high from the Factory and he started adjusting the jack plate to lower the motor. I protested but he and Steve both explained to me how motor height affects boat handling and performance, just one of the many lessons they would end up teaching me. After my intial test, he reviewed my results and determined that the motor needed to be raised slightly. While he adjusted the jack plate, he showed me the process, the tools required and the performance goals we were seeking so I could continue the tweaking on my own. Then he told me to keep him posted and he would change the prop if needed to get the desired results once the boat was dialed in.
Both Steve and Josh were extremely forthcoming with me regarding the hows and whys of everything they were doing and were very patient when dealing with my misperceptions and plain wrong info I thought I knew about high speed boating. I got a crash course in high performance setup and driving by a couple of real pros as well as exceptional service and support. They both get my highest recommendation.
Set Up and Gear: 2016 Skeeter ZX200 2016 Yamaha VMAX SHO 200 (approx 200 hours) ECU Flash by Steve at Hydro Dynamics (with stock rev limiter) Mercury Tempest Plus prop, 27 pitch, B&B by Josh at Steve's Custom Props Slidemaster manual jackplate at adjusted setting (2.5 dots) One Power Pole, bow pedestal seat, no rear seat, Ultrex TM, tall RAM mounted HDS 12 with Hydrowave mounted above HDS at bow (lots of air resistance) Me, my dog, full ice chest & multi-day trip food at approx 350 lbs total Full tournament tackle Empty livewells Full tank of gas (36 gallons) 3 Stock Interstate lead batteries Previous speed and rpms were 66.3 - 68.7 at 6000 rmps and full trim
Conditions: 107 degree air temp 43% humidity 1012.9mb pressure and steady Wind WSW @ 5 mph 87 degree water temp Flat to slightly choppy water with very small rollers
Results: Highest GPS Speed (tail wind)= 76.1 mph Average GPS Speed = 73.5 - 75.5 mph depending on chop Mid Range acceleration = estimated 2x to 3x quicker RPM (analog) = 5800 average Trim level - estimated at little over 3/4
I have yet to run at full trim and full rpms because of driving issues with me and with the boat, engine height and conditions. On the first test runs the boat would get VERY squirrley over 5800 rpms, even feeling like the stern wanted to whip around the bow when I really pushed it. After Josh raised the engine for the second set of runs the next day, the lake conditions were a lot worse with heavy weekend traffic and higher winds / chop, but I could tell that the boat was much more stable over 73 mph and I could hold the higher speeds longer with less driving. I will update this thread as I get my setup dialed in, I hope it helps other SHO owners take the plunge to get all of the performance they want from their rig.
Last edited by markson; 07/21/18 10:28 PM.
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12837180
07/22/18 04:02 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,863
formula462
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,863 |
What is the cost per gain ratio?
Last edited by formula462; 07/22/18 04:51 AM.
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: formula462]
#12837229
07/22/18 06:43 AM
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400
markson
OP
Angler
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400 |
What is the cost per gain ratio? The cost was $1140 for the flash, prop and boat setup. The actual cost per gain ratio is dependent on which variable you choose to use for the calculation (remember that I have yet to see the true top speed). To me the entire experience, education and future fun factor combine to make it priceless. Top speed notwithstanding, if my only gains had been just the midrange acceleration and increase in overall performance from the correct motor height, I would still consider it a great deal.
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12837291
07/22/18 12:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,419
Pat Goff
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,419 |
Pat Goff Seadrift TX
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12837635
07/22/18 06:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,413
dimitri
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,413 |
will fuel economy or warranty be effected? sounds like a great deal at that price and those mph gains .
Marine Electronics Installation [by appointment only in Azle, Texas] Graphs, Trolling Motors & Battery Chargers
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12837650
07/22/18 06:30 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,586
gary purdy
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,586 |
The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. Remember what He has done and remember that He is not done yet!-- GOD IS GOOD
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12837947
07/22/18 11:53 PM
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400
markson
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Angler
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400 |
Went out today after raising the plate another 1/8 inch (1/2 dot) to 3 dots high in an attempt to eliminate the last bit of driving issues at full trim. Filled the tank with 20 gallons of 93 octane to top it off to full (mixed with the 16 gallons of 89 left over from yesterday) and drove an hour to a lake with enough space for me to make quality test runs. I was able to find some great water that allowed me to fly the bow at full trim and full throttle for extended periods. Here are my results:
Conditions: 108 degree air temp 26% humidity 1012.9 mb pressure and falling Wind SSW @ 8 mph 86.5 degree water temp Flat to slightly choppy water with very minimal rollers
Results: Highest GPS Speed (very slight tail wind) = 76.9 mph Average GPS Speed = 75.8 - 76.5 mph depending on chop Mid Range acceleration = estimated 2x to 3x quicker (no change from last runs) RPM (analog) = 5950 - 6000 Trim level - Full
I do have one issue though, my jack plate is acting all kinds of stupid. Josh had a problem yesterday with it not moving level on both sides, so he tightened one side and leveled the other side. When I made my adjustment today it seemed to move level and I triple checked all of the bolts to make sure they were tight. When I checked it after the runs today, one side (the right) is a full dot higher than the other side. So I will be calling Steve tomorrow to see if he can help me figure this out.
Last edited by markson; 07/23/18 12:14 AM.
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12838166
07/23/18 02:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 897
champRD
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 897 |
That's really good in these temps. Fall temps you should be at 80 easily. Be careful, the speeds your at now stuff happens quick.
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12838945
07/23/18 07:08 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,186
steve@S2Marine
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,186 |
Thanks for the nice words man.. i enjoyed helping you get that boat running.
S2 Marine 714 S. Main Quitman, Tx. 75783 www.s2marine.coms2marinesales@gmail.com Blazer Boats, Excel Boats, Sun Chaser Pontoons, Thor boats, Legend Craft Boats
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12839609
07/24/18 03:40 AM
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400
markson
OP
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 400 |
After screwing around with that Slidemaster today and determining it is kind of a pain in the a** to adjust level by myself and also knowing that I am going to end up trying different props, combined with running some bigger water today and wishing I could have adjusted my engine height on the fly to compensate for my 19.5' boat, I am pulling the trigger on a Bob's Action Jack from Amazon with easy interest free monthly payments. I used to not understand the allure of tweaking a bass boat for speed and performance, but after the last few days experiences, I totally get it. I even caught a bunch of schooling fish today in the middle of the lake where I was making passes in a location I would have never gone by before, so the best of both worlds!
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12841203
07/25/18 02:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 9,499
Jake Shannon(Skeet4Life)
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 9,499 |
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12841437
07/25/18 05:45 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,186
steve@S2Marine
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,186 |
let me give one piece of very important advice. when dealing with FAST boats... the most dangerous thing one can do is... ADJUST ON THE FLY!!!
One bump to much and your gonna be in serious trouble.!!!!!
i see this all the time..... to go faster.. people think.. raise the plate. NEGATIVE.. that'll get you killed in high performance boats.. over 75 .. and stuff happens really fast.
please be careful when raising the jack plate.. i'd highly recommend.. slowing down to around 45-50 then bump the plate a little .. then accelerate again.
be safe Mark.. let me know if i can help you with anything further.
S2 Marine 714 S. Main Quitman, Tx. 75783 www.s2marine.coms2marinesales@gmail.com Blazer Boats, Excel Boats, Sun Chaser Pontoons, Thor boats, Legend Craft Boats
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12841613
07/25/18 07:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,818
Curtbass
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,818 |
Steve, Thank you for posting that statement!!!! Crabbing is NOT good. Things DO happen quick!! Faster than humans can react.
markson, Thanks for the setup/run out info. Great post. Keep updating as you upgrade to get the benefits out of it all. Stay Safe. Enjoy your new setup to the utmost. We all admit , it IS an adrenaline rush like no other!!!
ELITE POWER SYSTEMS/ Elite Fishing Products Lithium Battery & Charging Systems, Soft Plastics, Tackle,Tokyo Rigs Tight lines & stay safe out there.Gods blessings
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12841665
07/25/18 08:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,419
Pat Goff
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,419 |
Steve is correct. Take it from someone whos been slung out of a few boats. When you start getting over 75 very small moves make big differences
Pat Goff Seadrift TX
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Re: Skeeter ZX200 with VMAX SHO 200 hp ECU Flash report and results (long)...
[Re: markson]
#12841696
07/25/18 08:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,983
tmd11111
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,983 |
Oh I remember getting that bug years ago. Faster, faster, Faster. Wallet started running dry when I hit 90 mph.
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