Lithium Batteries Slowing Your Boat Down? Adding 200 Lbs Added Speed!

[@thehedgeknightnc3681]

Me to my wife:"Guess I should buy more lures to weigh down the front of my boat Honey".

[@KenSmithFishing]

CCCCrrrrrraaaaapppp how did I not think of that! 🤣

[@txman201]

That's backwards - the bow is too heavy compared to the stern. You need to add a truckload of tackle to the rear!

[@tundrabasser]

Man these are great videos. Thank you so much. Ill need to give you a shout when i come to rayburn.

[@jimbeavers9723]

Out standing!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes, those Hogs are!!!

[@staveman11]

WPS!!!!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

disappointing night last night for us Todd

[@Irishmule169]

Ken your definitely a BassCat guy now ! Your videos are the best , thanks man.. All of us BassCat dudes squeeze every mile an hour we get get ! 😂

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'm still running heavy batterys and stock prop...so I haven't started squeezing yet!

[@scottfrost8956]

Finally someone talks about it! I know several “lithium guys” who thought they’d pick up 2-3mph and instead lost 4-5!

[@johnwhite528]

Yep, I did this, and do I regret it

[@KenSmithFishing]

Scott you should/will be able to go faster if you pull 200-300 lbs out of boat, you just have to rebalance the thing

[@derektaylor2780]

I had the same issue - UofA grad here. When I went to Lithium Batteries - 1 cranking 1 36 volt and 1 16 volt - boat lost a lot of weight in ass end. Added a 5 degree wedge and problem solved - went from 57 rpm and 61 mph to 6100 rpm and 74 MPH loaded.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I know some boat and motor manufacturers don't like the wedges, or the spacers, but I'd try one if I were having this problem before I spend the $$ on a bigger backplate

[@F.Ronnie]

Thanks Ken. Awesome information !!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

you bet

[@cliff7634]

If he has a 6" jack plate he can go to a 10" or 12" to also add the weight to the rear as well.

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

The graphics may not be amazing, but they do a great job of communicating what you are trying to get across. As a Tennessee banker and numbers guy.. I appreciate the in depth data driven analysis.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Scruff…. That’s some Arkansas education at work there

[@James-bb2ke]

I am not a ranger fan due to the speed. I was talked into buying one due to the deal I got for a older boat in that shape. 2011 Z521. 250 etec. What speeds is normal for that boat? I should be happy with the 68 it gets. I’m looking for 75 plus. It has a 10” manual jackplate now. Would a 14” hydrolic due it any good?

[@KenSmithFishing]

James you aren’t going to get a lot more out of that boat. A longer setback probably doesn’t help, going to change your balance point and throw dirtier water to the prop. You might get 70 out of that boat with some prop tweaking, but only place your gonna sew 75 is behind the truck

[@mariotorres9329]

This was great info thank you so much

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks for the watch and comment Mario

[@terryyarnall9495]

3 mph is a huge difference. Lots of folks spend $$$$ to gain a few mph.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Not sure what a 50 lb bag of 🌽 cost these days…

[@hammer4211]

Great video..

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Hammer

[@muskybites505]

My aluminum v hull picks up 2-3 mph when I have a buddy with me and he sits on the rail in front of the splashwell in the back. Taking more of the nose out of the water reduces drag and increases speed. Simple physics

[@KenSmithFishing]

spot on

[@l8tapex]

Happen to my TR21DC XHP . Becomes nose heavy 4 , 27 series to one 36v 46lbs, one 46 lbs house and one regular starting, Boat slowed down due to this. As an Allison, Bullet owner Iwas laughing with my buds about it. We new immediately what it was. Nice content.

[@KenSmithFishing]

So what did you do?

[@greggelner6881]

Thank you for the info. It makes a ton of sense.

[@KenSmithFishing]

glad you enjoyed

[@ggw7948]

Early 2000s stratos with johnson 225 ho. Running 62 by myself with a 4 blade 25 pitch renegade prop. Thinking i need a good 3 blade.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I couldn't find a 4 blade that was as fast as a 3 on my Ranger or Bass Cat

[@ggw7948]

@@KenSmithFishing thanks was thinking the same thing.

[@toddwalters7939]

Change prop pitch. Very common when changing to lithiums.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Todd changing pitch may help, but if you have to you are redirecting your energy from the prop somewhere other than forward thrust

[@williamjenkins3720]

Tracker 175 (75 Optimax). With 3 -31agm =40. With 3 Ionic lithium’s = 37.5.

[@KenSmithFishing]

crazy, that's a lot of money to go slower

[@lightningmusky5286]

Very interesting! Great video as always! Buoyancy = Boy an si .

[@KenSmithFishing]

R-can-saw.....as in Arkansas, the Queens English here!@

[@Techangler65]

Cary all heavy tackle in the back. So so true Ken weight distribution is everything

[@KenSmithFishing]

and for most of us probably reduce overall tackle load 20-30% just by looking through your boxes

[@geraldkoth654]

The Vent holes VENTILATE, CAVITATION Is a low pressure behind the blade that lowers the vapor pressure so much the water boils. That is why millions mistake the plate as a anti CAVITATION plate, when it is really an anti VENTILATION plate. It help to keep air from following the leg down to the prop, especially in turns. And of course balance is key to having the proper running surface contacting the water. One thing to be very careful of is not having a nose heavy boat if you are in big water. When the boat hits a wave and it leaves the water altogether, or when you are balanced on the top of a big wave, you want the stern so be heavy and start down first.

[@haroldrogers6566]

I understand exactly what you are saying Ken. We have a guy over here in west TN that can set up your boat with lithium’s. The old timers won’t listen to him. But he knows what he is doing. I was in his 201 with a flashed 200 Yamaha doing 89 mph with lithium’s in the back riding like a Lincoln town car on Kentucky Lake. It’s all in the set up he says and folks wont listen he says. Imagine that 😂. Might want to talk to him one day.

[@KenSmithFishing]

So much of it is counterintuitive, I'd love to talk to him if you can connect us

[@haroldrogers6566]

@@KenSmithFishing we’re setting up my Champion with a 250 pro XS Thursday provided he has time. He says it’ll do 80 no problem or I can go 65 at half throttle. What a gas savings!! I’ll ask him about talking with you and I don’t see a problem. I’ll get back with you on this Ken.

[@briansousa6341]

@@haroldrogers6566 you’ll never see 80 out of that barge unless it’s on the back of the truck. Maybe 65 full throttle

[@haroldrogers6566]

@@briansousa6341 I’ll let you know this afternoon Brian

[@JohnnyJenkins]

@@haroldrogers6566 yeah let us know, if like to get in touch with this guy also

[@Techangler65]

I am a big Champion fan. Charger has done a great job adjusting the hull and widening it

[@KenSmithFishing]

They have, that big Charger is a great Lincoln Towncar like ride

[@Tedthib]

Thanks Ken I had no idea that these things affected the performance. I've also noticed since adding lithium batteries the nose of my boat is running lower than before

[@KenSmithFishing]

drop weight, slow down,. so counter intuitive

[@bwspacity]

Went to lithium had to run with motor a Lil lower .boat sit higher in water.everything back to normal.

[@KenSmithFishing]

same speed?

[@billsa-bob8945]

How would I figure out how my was designed for weight distribution? They don't tell the buyer these specs. Can I contact you?

[@KenSmithFishing]

[e-mail], anytime

[@mikethetoolman8776]

mr green eyes!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

too funny, Browned Eyed Girl is playing on Pandora in the kitchen right now

[@xongh]

Great info ken, I been figuring this out myself. 187 champion w/ mercury 175. Was getting 63mph, now I’m only getting 52mph. I’m thinking it’s the 24v ultrex, 10” helix, mega 360, and garmin 10” graph along with livescope on the bow? Plus I had purchase 24v lithium trolley motor battery to correct the speed, but no help….so fustrating. Anyway. Thx again and you’re absolutely right bout champion sitting nose high, lol.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Time to start shifting some weight

[@BD1JR]

Any idea what the weight rating on the stern for a Phoenix 819 w/200 4S mercury

[@ronwallace7563]

Wow....great information on weight distribution. Everyone always thinks that switching to lithium takes out weight and you should just go faster! You presented this so that an old hillbilly like me can understand. I appreciate your posting this sir.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Ron, you have to know then that was a Hillbilly talking to a Hillbilly!

[@CentralCoastBassFishing]

9 boats later, I finally learn what those vent plugs do 😂 Thanks Ken, great video!

[@tysonprice109]

Ditto 🙋🏾‍♂️

[@KenSmithFishing]

Crazy how many people don't understand it....wait, I didn't until I started talking to Nick at Mercury Racing a year ago!!! 🖖

[@jimharris714]

I’m dealing with this now. Every boat is different but I tried 2” spacers on my 8” jackplate and it made no difference. I tried trim extenders before buying wedges and it made a big difference. Gained about 5 mph back. Biggest thing for me is the ride quality has suffered from lack of lift at slower speeds. Gonna try a 4 blade next to see if I can find a compromise. Bass boat makers need to respond with a boat designed for lithiums. I won’t run a lead battery ever again. Lithium is far superior.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jim the 4 blade is going to lift the stern, should help steady you at slow speeds. Might also consider a longer tube with a flare

[@user-rj9mq2ls4m]

Tempest, trophy, and promax props have the best lift I have found….

[@justinardoin4678]

What would you recommend for a boat that porpoise with little or no trim?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Justin you want to get a prop that basically gives you something similar to what trim tabs do. Nick from Mercury Racing talks about this in our video together last week. Either get a prop with a longer tube, or with a flare at the end, or ideally one that has both. The longer tube and flare act like trim tabs, give you more stern lift therefore should greatly reduce or eliminate the porpoise crud

[@justinardoin4678]

Thank you very much for the information. I am looking to do some weight distribution and also prop swaps. I'm trying this first before I just flat out by another boat. This has been frustrating since I purchased the boat from the dealership.

[@natetalaskavich3732]

This is a great video. It is something I have been contemplating since I put my boat away for the winter. I own a 1999 Stratos 201 PE which I upgraded last year with a ghost, 36V lithium and to a 23p Tempest prop (from a 25p Renegade) on a 200hp Johnson. I picked up a few MPH but I cannot trim my motor out as much and never felt like I could get my nose up enough. I have tried to move my tackle back, but contemplated going from a 6" to a 10" JP to move the motor back a bit. Thanks for giving clarification and direction.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Nate I think that may well help you, you move 440 lb Johnson back several inches and that should really change the boats attitude

[@c.shoefish]

Here's another thing that people don't think about, moving weight around in a boat (or anything in a trailer) also affects how it tows. Perfect example, I have a 17' tiller boat with a 24v fortrex....I still have lead batteries (upgrading this year) and had to move them forward in the boat because it was too much weight behind the axle, causing it to tow like ass due to not enough tongue weight. In doing so, it also affected my boat and how it performs. Now, with the batts Forward, it's a touch slower (when by myself) but when my son is with me, it's just as fast as before I moved them. However, when the batts were in the back, it was too stern heavy with both of us. For right now, when I'm by myself, I actually throw a 50 lbs bag of sand in the boat down in the bilge area to help with weight distribution...when I get lithiums, I'll move them back to where they were in the back. Cool video man .

[@KenSmithFishing]

So that's really interesting, I always wondered why my boats in the last 20 years have gotten to much heavier at the tongue. I remember a time when I could pick up one of my boats trailer tongue (think it was an Astro), I just assumed boats had gotten bigger and I'd gotten older... but they figured out how to make them trailer better with more weight forward?

[@c.shoefish]

@@KenSmithFishing could be because of all the stuff you carry🤣. A lot has to do with axle placement as well, if you ever pay attention to trailers, compare a utility trailer to a boat trailer. Utility trailer are usually about a 60/40 or even 50/50, where as most boat trailers are about 70/30, or in the case of bass boats, they're typically like a 90/10.... because in a bass boat almost all of the weight is aft, so the axles are positioned to give a good balance of support and tongue weight. Proper tongue weight is approximately 10-15% of the trailerable weight. I'll give you an example, on my set up, I moved my axle back 6" and that alone increased the tongue weight by about 60 lbs. Another key thing is keeping a trailer level, I could tell a difference going from a 2" drop hitch to a proper 4" drop...shifts more weight forward. Hope that makes sense.

[@shanehamilton6708]

This is great information! Since I but lithium batteries in my boat I’m at least 6 mph slower. I had my prop redone and no change. I’m going to add weight to back. Thank you

[@KenSmithFishing]

Shane let us know what happens please. If you'll email me I'd like to keep up and see what you figure out and share with the group

[@Lray4x4]

Hey I have had problems for the past 3 years I have owned my boat with it not getting the speed it should, where can I contact you for some advice?

[@KenSmithFishing]

[e-mail]

[@brianwilbert946]

In the photo there's a hole on the side of the boat. The fiberglass is soaking up water. His boat is getting heavier every time he's on the water.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Brian I am not sure that a hole that small and shallow actually takes on water, but I could be wrong

[@niklasheikinheimo2324]

Dont know if it slowed it down, but its faster with the livewells full after going to lithium. Cant say im mad about it.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Interesting

[@niklasheikinheimo2324]

@@KenSmithFishing more weight back ofsets the massive weight of a Ghost upfront.

[@derektaylorfishing]

I’m still trying to get this Crestliner MX to keep from porpoising, factory rigged 6” manual JP, with dual power poles, 3 AGM batteries, and a Ghost up front. 23p Tempest, 200 ProXS 4-stroke.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Derek see my comments above, try a longer tube prop with a flare at the end. Will act like trim tabs, should help a bunch by adding stern lift

[@zgambler1]

Use the quarter trick

[@KenSmithFishing]

quarter trick?

[@AstrosErin]

I’ve got an ‘04 Triton Tr186. I recently upgraded electronics, TM, added a power pole, and went to lithium trollers. I’m net probably 30lb heavier in front than I was and about that much lighter in the rear. My prop is slipping bad now and I can’t carry the bow. As a test I added two 30lb dumbbells in the splashwell, ran much better. Getting some cup added to the prop and I think I’ll find a way to mount another battery in the rear. At least that way the additional ballast will be functional should I need it.

[@KenSmithFishing]

tools to the back, anything with weight, or shorten the barrel on the prop

[@mdbassin6267]

happened with my ranger - went from 24volt motor to a 36 volt motor - so added lot of weight to the nose and switched to lithium in the back. doesn't really bother me as not in it for top speed anymore. my boat needs more weight in the back

[@tysonprice109]

I have an 07 Z21. Did adding Lithiums change your speed?

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'd be really curious if Ranger redistributed some weight on their high end boats since Johnny bought the lithium company and I think they are standard on most of their hi end series now

[@keithgarley1832]

Ken is it posible to check our boats with tournament load with a 4ft level on the front deck port to starboard and bow to stern in calm water? What do you think Keith from NY

[@KenSmithFishing]

Keith that really isn’t going to tell you what you need to know. Look to your prop slip and wether you are getting the nose out of the water at speed

[@Big_Mike72]

Morning Ken, just wanted to say thanks for a great informative video. I bet I’ve shared it a half dozen times on FB groups with guys have the same or similar issues. Thanks again.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks for sharing Big Mike, it’s pushing 25k views now which is good for my little channel!

[@johnfriar6423]

I just watched this video, and I have a question for Ken Smith about a prop issue if he could respond back to me I would appreciate it Thanks John Friar

[@KenSmithFishing]

John shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@fishncoach8699]

Let's be careful with wording. There will be people everywhere swearing up and down that lithiums actually slow your boat down! 😂

[@KenSmithFishing]

Then they should watch the video!!! 😂

[@billpool75]

Rule of thumb is 5 pounds of weight in front of console of boat equals 20 pounds

[@KenSmithFishing]

Bill I think the most interesting part of that video is the little seesaw diagram showing how the distance from COG to whatever weight you have and how that changes the weight by some factor greater than the weight itself

[@nawinchester]

This has made me rethink the lithium purchase..... I just automatically thought less weight equals more speed. Admittedly, I don't have a traditional bass boat, I have a Deep V aluminum 21 foot 8 1/2 foot beam Tracker Targa 20 Dual Console. Would the same concept of physics you present in this video apply to my boat, or is this only really applicable to traditional bass boats?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Nick lightening the load will improve speed, but you will need to drop some similar amount of wait from the front half of the boat or you are likely to get nose heavy

[@tommypeckinpaugh1399]

Thanks Ken taking all this in like a sponge!

[@KenSmithFishing]

As in Bob?

[@Bogeypro256]

Hey Ken... I've got a cougar FTD with 250 pro xs V8. What bob's setting are you at during takeoff versus running down the lake?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Preston I never move mine off of 2, but I have a lot more beam across the transom that you do, so you probably going to have to run it down into the dirt to get it out of the hole and then trim it up once you are at speed.

[@cleveedmondson7991]

My question to y’all are y’all out there to fish or to race ..

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes

[@danielmckeen2465]

Nice information Ken!!!👍 hope to see more tournament videos in the future🤠

[@KenSmithFishing]

Me too, we have some health things we have to attend to in the house this spring so not going to get to fish as much as most years, but we will get out some.

[@rickvann3489]

Lighten the front of your boat put it in the back boxes. Heavy stuff in back light in front. 520R 71mph, that's 2 people and full of fuel

[@KenSmithFishing]

Ranger is loving the power out of those 4 strokes

[@reyn3545]

Great info.... I have a Stratos 201, it sits a lot like the Champion you pictured.... I'm going to move some weight up front and see what difference it makes.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Post what happens please Mike, love making this a boat lab we can all share info in

[@timroyall6513]

Great info Ken. Lots to think about. Even for my tin rig with a 60 Yamaha, lol. Thanks for doing this one.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Tim, one of my favorite non-fishing videos I have done in a while

[@robertjacobsfishing]

Very insightful Ken. Thanks for sharing. Would weight distribution have any effect on chine walk?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Robert, 100% it will, I'll shoot a short in the next few days to tell you a great experience where I learned about this from a co-angler....by the way his name was Ron Pierce...Bass Cat Founder

[@robertjacobsfishing]

@@KenSmithFishing great cannot wait. I have tried applying pressure on the steering wheel to the left. Believe that is what Ron said in your one video and it helps a bit but I need to move a few thing around still.

[@japanfishingtackle9073]

Are you interested in trying out some Japanese lures? If it's okay with you, we would like to send you a sample.

[@KenSmithFishing]

sorry I haven't responded to your email yet, been a crazy time at home

[@timg185]

I guess he needs to carry a couple hundred pounds more tackle in the back of his boat

[@KenSmithFishing]

don't we all?

[@txman201]

I believe that "neutral bouyancy" says a thing neither sinks nor rises when submerged. (SCUBA divers adjust their buoyancy compensator to do this at a given depth.) What you are looking at is center of gravity, and not buoyancy. You're seeing the center of gravity shift, and nothing about buoyancy. I have never in my life seen the difference of flooded cell vs. lithium be "300# vs. 60# - it's just not that dramatic.

[@KenSmithFishing]

correct, but it was the best terminology I could muster to explain the concept. On the weight, guy reached out, he pulled 4 agm's, and the charger, added 2 lithium's, a 12 and a 36 and a Noco charger, net weight change was negative 190 lbs, so my guess wasn't that far off

[@bmaliha]

How do you get Mercury Racing to respond I have reached out to them a half dozen times about propping for my boat with no response, do I need to have a youtube channel?

[@mikethetoolman8776]

yes with TONS of viewers also!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Brian shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@randycooper2046]

Ken, love you video's but I'm not on board (pun intended) with everything you said. I'm an engineer but definitely not an expert on hydrodynamics, full disclosure. Neutral buoyancy has nothing to do with how a boat sits in the water. That is all about center of gravity and the amount of water displaced by your particular boats hull design. Love to talk more about this but to much to say here.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Randy, you are 100% spot on, but that was a rabbit hole way deeper and longer than this video could go. I was trying to get the "balanced boat" concept across and that seemed the most logical way to phrase what I was trying to say

[@randycooper2046]

@@KenSmithFishing I agree and that is a deep rabbit hole. There are ways to increase bow lift to help with bad weight distribution. Adding cup to your prop will increase bow lift. Speed is all about drag so the more boat you get out of the water the less drag you have. But of course, everything comes with a cost. Ask your prop guy about the effects of adding cup.

[@stacenhartland9777]

Now calm down on the champions…

[@KenSmithFishing]

Hey I loved them. If I ever ran across a 221 that wasn't absolutely falling apart I'd love to have one, but those things are rare

[@boydlittou9446]

Very good video. I have a 270 stratos with a 150 intruder Modified, and it runs fastest with the gas tank full. Weight distribution is critical.

[@KenSmithFishing]

crazy isn't it

[@RiverRat-2112]

Mate of mine has a 14ft tinny conversion, 9.8 Merc, depending on where we have the weight, including the passenger, he gains or loses as much as 3 mph. Pretty dramatic for a rig that tops out at 15 mph.