Frank/ Stu, I saw the BW video on shimming a couple of times. I was having a few blowouts without the shim. I added a shim as per the video, thick part on the end near prop and using the rear set of holes. Rather than curing that I was having more blowouts, this with a two man hunting load in calm water. I think I will remove shim. Those without shims, do you have the cavitation plate mounted on the front or rear set of holes? I know most of you have the standard transom clamp on mount, I have the versa mount. Blowouts generally happen on high rpms >3500 rpm; my 9x7, when not blowing out, can reach 20 mph @3850 rpms. At this rate, I have to exert some pressure up on the handle to keep it in the water. Any suggestions welcome!

It's just going to take some tinkering with the Versa Mount. That Grizzly has a funky deadrise and requires more adjustment than many other boats. But the beauty of the Backwater, between the Versa Mount and the Surface Tracer cavitation plate, you have the ability to adjust for most any boat.

Thanks, Frank. I know this hull is a compromise, will have to live with a few more seasons. Inboard mounting is best and that is what i have. I will keep on tinkering!

Glades, how many shims are you using right now? As Frank stated, your gonna have to bring your toll box and some help to the boat ramp and test the adjustments till you get it dialed in. I run mine with two shims, bump stop up, with the motor rearward bolt hole. It's a bit heavier lifting the prop out of the water but it only blows out if it hits something.


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Just one. I am taking all the tools plus xtra prop next week while hunting. Should be able to get it right.

Just got back from three teal hunts= three teal...well, there just weren't a lot of birds! Twice woodies streaked by out of range. Anyway, with some weight redistribution I was running fine with no shim, @3850 rpm, 19.7 mph; the 0.3 mph speed drop probably to the fact I was carrying hunting load. EFI so far is very good, running 93 octane and I notice a bit better than the 87. I went through some thick hyacinth patches and no problem. A lot less "roping" of weeds and grasses at the prop end compared to my former MB.
I have noticed the better fuel consumption/efficiency with this motor; I am using 2.0 gallons on a distance that noted before used 2.4 gallons. Guess my $ savings will be negligible if I use 93 though.

I hope you realize that 3.0mph difference is rarely anything to be concerned with, much less 0.3mph. That could seriously be the difference in the given density altitude at a given time.... What's the end game of splitting all these hairs with any small hunting boat setup? I see being analytical. I'm that way myself.... But these things don't require decimal points when comparing results lol... That is all, carry on.

Huck smash.

Huck smash.

Glades , in all seriousness . Setxlongtail knows what he is talking about . If it was me and hunting season I'd set it up for easy driving . No tiller pressure , at all . You know how your handle will travel at start up speeds then sweet spot level out at speed. Concentrate on that feel. Look at your plate , where is it riding. Fins should be in water on trailing edges . Most of cav plate should be exposed at full speed. You don't want to have to fight that position. You shouldn't have to pull up or push down. The plate will dial in that precise. So set for your hunt load put your gear in there and go ride, and have an easy season .

H Finn

Well said, Huck. Great feeling when the water is calm and the motor is humming and the cavitation plate and prop are precisely where you said, and that is cruising, Backwater style. Pleasantly surprised how well I did in the weeds. Looking forward to cooler weather in November and the regular season.