The X-18 gets wet! Wow

[The Hedgehog]

I still have plenty to do but was able to take it for a spin. The 383mag/Bravo combo was just the ticket. I did not open it up as I want to break it in first but was able to tell that it is a driver's boat. I am now glad I went with the Livorsi throttle as it is very trim sensitive. The trim on throttle is a big help. I see exactly what you guys were talking about on needing a lh prop with the left hand drive. I did squeeze it somewhat and noticed it was still pulling hard around 65. It seems to be ok with the 23 mirage but I am not convinced it is optimal. That might be the lack of seat time in the setup. I have some pics and will post them when I get to a faster connection.

[BigGrizzly]

The prop is not right trim a little more and the pull gos away. The pull is different at different speeds. Power steering people don't notice it. your going to need 1 or 2 inches more pitch. BTW with two people left or right Rotation doesn't matter.

[The Hedgehog]

The prop is not right trim a little more and the pull gos away. The pull is different at different speeds. Power steering people don't notice it. your going to need 1 or 2 inches more pitch. BTW with two people left or right Rotation doesn't matter.

I saw that. At around 3,500 rpm it settled out, liked some more trim and felt like it climbed above everything. It almost felt like it climbed onto a pad. I will get some more time, break it in more and get you the gps numbers.

[Last Real Texan]

Looks Good Bill.......................Let us know when you stomp on it:shocking:


good to see an old classic brought back to life.....makes me want to do another old boat again.


Bryan

[LKSD]

Yes, Nice job.. Keep us posted. :) Jamie

[MOP]

Nice!!!!!!!!! Like the rest almost can't wait for your GPS readings!!

Phil

[osur866]

Nice job, like the red pin-stripping. Steve

[The Hedgehog]

Nice job, like the red pin-stripping. Steve

Thanks. I am not sure it came out of the factory that way but I liked it too. I thought it would be cool to have that and do a blue carpet with some red accent. I will probably also put some billet red goodies in the engine compartment. The bottom and top actually do match but the guy that shot the top did 10x better work. I have miles to go on it but can at least enjoy it as I do the rest.

What kind of speeds are you seeing out of yours and what prop are you running?

[ITTLFLI]

Looks really nice!

[Last Real Texan]

We should have a speed prodiction contest on this nicely restored classic:shocking:
I will even kick in a T-shirt from the Donzi Z-store to the winner.
I get to guess first
Last Real Texan predicts 73.2 GPS
Any takers to the predictions?
Maybe the contest will drive Bill to finish the project and get us some #'s LOL
Just ribbin ya Bill...............get back to work!
Bryan

[The Hedgehog]

Hmm. Got more goodies on the way this week. I do know that I saw 70 indicated on the mechanical speedo before I backed off but you know how those work. I am pretty sure that Baja puts them on from the factory rigged specially to give their customers an extra 5=7 mph.

I will probably put on the hatch this weekend. Passangers seem a little squirreled out about cruising around with an open engine right behind them.

I put one of those speedos on the 27ZX and it was the cheapest speed enhancement I have done yet!

[Ed Donnelly]

75.6 .........Ed

[Kirbyvv]

.....72.4 mph.......Kirby

[The Hedgehog]

I think somewhere around 73 as well. I guess I should throw that pretty steering ram on that shiny new Bravo 1.

[osur866]

What have you been using for a prop, pitch and brand?

[The Hedgehog]

What have you been using for a prop, pitch and brand?

Rh Mirage Plus 23". Had it laying around

[osur866]

1.5 bravo?

[DonziFreak]

73.5- Carlos

[The Hedgehog]

1.5 bravo?


Yes, definately a 1.5.

What are you seeing with your setup?

[The Hedgehog]

If we get enough bets going I might find myself out in Center Hill Lake this weekend with an unregistered, unbroken in and unfinished boat with a GPS in my lap!:shocking:

[osur866]

72.6

[osur866]

Well still not alot of seat time, and i don't have a gps but last weekend I hit 68-69 at around 4800-4900 rpm. I think theres a little more in it that I am learning the chine-walk thing, oh by the way I have the 1.65 gears and running a stock mirage plus 25p. I believe the speedo to be pretty accurate I don't think its off more than 1mph. Steve

[The Hedgehog]

Well still not alot of seat time, and i don't have a gps but last weekend I hit 68-69 at around 4800-4900 rpm. I think theres a little more in it that I am learning the chine-walk thing, oh by the way I have the 1.65 gears and running a stock mirage plus 25p. I believe the speedo to be pretty accurate I don't think its off more than 1mph. Steve

Yes, I think that you probably have a little more. Our speeds should be very close. I should know more within a few more weeks.

I know what you mean on the chine walk. Mine appears to be mostly wake induced. I am thinking that the external hydraulic steering will help. Whenever I get time to put it on.

[DonziFreak]

If we get enough bets going I might find myself out in Center Hill Lake this weekend with an unregistered, unbroken in and unfinished boat with a GPS in my lap!:shocking: :boat::yes::propeller:


been there and done that! :hyper:

[osur866]

Mine has the factory internal hyd. single ram system, I'm learning how to counter-steer the walk. Later I'd like to lighten up the exhaust prop experiments and maybe much later if not where I want to be heaven for bid might go the shorty route but for now I'm still learning to drive what I have before I start changing things. Steve

[The Hedgehog]

I may try a shorty soon. I almost hope that it does not work but heard it is good for a few mph.

[BigGrizzly]

76.3 with the hatch on.!!

[osur866]

Been told a shorty is good for right a about 5 mph on the 18's.

[The Hedgehog]

76.3 with the hatch on.!!

Definately need the steering. Talked to Tex, we are going to try the shorty.

[osur866]

I'd be curious how it works out if you loose any handling and how it turns and so forth.

[Speed-Racer]

Looks great...glad you stuck with the orginal color....Get some more pics...

[The Hedgehog]

Looks great...glad you stuck with the orginal color....Get some more pics...

The original color is great. The boat is looking great. We love it. I will post some more pics as we go.