This is my recent setup for the speed I posted above
- Stock XR2 I rebuilt in 2010 after cracking the top crank bearing
- Removed exhaust can liner and drilled exhaust
- 4" CMC manual jack plate raised to max height
- I believe mounting bolts are on the second hole, 1 from the top
- Propshaft 3" below
- Gear ratio 1.87:1 (just measured and 1 full turn of the prop is between 1 3/4 - 2 turns of the driveshaft)
- 14 1/2" x 26p Chopper
- 5800-6000rpm
- water pressure 10-15psi
- GPS 72.8mph
- Consistent 70-71 depending on water conditions
This is the setup I had a few years ago when I just managed to see 70.0mph
Pretty much the same except
- 1.87:1 CLE
- 6000-6200rpm
- water pressure 20-25psi
- GPS 70.0mph
- Consistent 68-69 depending on water and very easy to drive
Also tried running this setup with the motor mounted one hole higher (max height, about 2 1/4" below) but it lost a significant amount of bow lift and was extremely noticeable with a passenger so I lowered it down one. None of the props I tested where faster then the 26 either. 29p SRX I could only spin it around 5600, 28p small ear didn't have enough bow lift, cleavers were slower as well around 67mph
Old pic before the transom and engine rebuilds. Its mounted pretty low but it shows the nice CLE I had lol
Although the CLE was quiet a bit slower its a much safer and better handling setup. The skeg designs are quiet different and along with the nosecone the CLE is a much easier setup to drive, although the non-swept skeg does pull to the side when decelerating a lot harder but thats not a big deal. The holeshot also felt better with the CLE. Not sure why the slight loss of rpm's though if the gear ratios are the same, nosecone causing some extra slip maybe?