Looking for some advice

**scott5sp11** · 08-24-2008

Hi Folks, Former unlimited hydro driver Scotty Pierce here. I just bought a 1989 Marlin 21' kinda go fast boat. I believe the boat was built in Seattle, although it looks a lot like the boats from my youth on the Colorado river. The boat is powered with a Mercruiser 888 with a Alpha drive from the 80's. The engine is a 350 Chevy. The owner tells me the boat goes real bow high going on plane. He installed a Sting Ray on the drive, and said it helped. I hate Sting Ray's, it seems to be crutch for a problem elsewhere, mostly under powered boats. This boat is not under powered. While I haven't measured the bottom angle yet, it looks to my naked eye to be around 15 degrees. I believe this stock drive has the propeller to far below the bottom, and I am thinking a Speedmaster lower unit might improve the performance. So my question is, am I on the bus, or not? If I am where can I find a lower unit? Thanks, Scotty Pierce 206 949-1695

**benski** · 08-25-2008

THE Scotty Pierce? As in 1991's Seafair winner? Welcome!
I'm sure some of our vendors or readers will have something suitable in the classifieds for you. That is the limit of my expertise right now, but you're in good hands.

**scott5sp11** · 08-25-2008

Hi Benski, Yes it's me. Thanks for the reply. Take care, Scotty

**F-12** · 08-25-2008

Watched you race and am a big fan...............You might want to ask Ron Hill about these units. He is always running into things like this and I think he would be happ to know you are on his site. Good luck and I'm looking forward to some good stories from your racing career................

**scott5sp11** · 08-25-2008

Thanks Charlie, I could tell some stories, the problem is everyone would think they are BS, and the fact is they are all true, LOL If Ron could help me that would be great! I am thinking a high five prop might let me rid of the hated sting ray. The boat is actually pretty cool. I will post a picture soon. Another unlimited driver, Nate Brown actually put this boat together, and Nate did is usual great job. Back to the stories, my buddy Mark Evan's is threatining all of us that he is writing a book. I have told Mark to leave me out of the book, and he told me, Scotty, you are the main attraction, after Mark, of course. I will kill him, slowly. Take care, Scotty