861 predator

[kyrich]

I know a lot of you guy's have bought a 861 lately , whats your thoughts on this boat and what brand and horsepower engine did you power it with and what kind of speeds are you getting?hole shot etc.

[Prtly Cloudy]

I just got mine a few weeks ago and the only place I could put in was by the house at Elkhorn Creek. I got a used saltwater version 115 Johnson with almost no hours, all freshwater, and it fly's. I did open it up all the way once but the creek is so narrow and windy i couldn't look at the gps to check my speed. I liked the way it took off and it didn't put it's nose up very high like my old fish and ski, even with 3 batteries in the back. I don't think it was less than 50 mph but i'll know more on a clean trash-less lake if we ever get one. My only issue was a steep ramp and getting it on the trailer with the bow over the winch wheel was a bit of a pain, but that was sometimes a issue on the Stratos also if the ramp was steep.

[kyrich]

Thanks cloudy for the reply...I seen cane pole had a jack plate on his.I was leaning towards the 115 yamaha

[crappieseeker]

Somebody told me they had the 115 on theirs and that since the boat was a heavier and more stable boat than others that max speed with two people loaded was 48 MPH.

[Prtly Cloudy]

The 861 has a flared out transom and I wasn't sure that a plate was necessary,and my dealer didn't even suggest one. I guess that you could contact a dealer who has sold both with and without or contact War Eagle.
I might be skeptical of what someone told me that was going to make more money selling and installing the jack plate though. I had one on my Stratos fish and ski and i think it probably helped. I don't think my new boat has any problem holding the nose up so how much speed would I really gain?
A dealer that will take the trouble to get the best prop for your setup is worth a lot in my opinion.

[Cane Pole]

I added a jack plate on mine for SI transducer clearance only. The boat roamed all over the place with the engine trimmed up to clear SI before jackplate.

Might be my driving ability (or inability). After all, I am an old man and I do run off the edge of the road even when the road is straight. I also block traffic by driving the speed limit and people socialize with me frequently in traffic.


http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...-situated.html

[crappieseeker]

very funny cane pole, they socialize with you here as well ha ha

[Cane Pole]

very funny cane pole, they socialize with you here as well ha ha

Aw, and I thought it was just "brotherly love".

[RiceRocket]

Cane I'll bet your fun to fish with Too ! LOL

[jaxsprat]

Aw, and I thought it was just "brotherly love".

Are they telling you that you are #1 in their mind..........:D