Looking to test a Merc Prop

  • Paul Heise
    River Falls, Wi
    Posts: 723
    #1238842

    Prop talks have got me thinkning. I want to test a few props out and was wondering if anyone knew where I could find some merc props for testing? The place I thought did it no longer does
    I’m currently running a 21p on my 115 opti with a 17.5′ boat. Don’t pay much attention to rpms but think I’m only at 5100-5200 and only getting 38-39 mph w/ 3/4 tank of gas, 2 people, trimmed just before that roaring cavitaion sound and loss of some speed. I can hit the optimum rpm but slip in speed a little because the prop losses push so am I right in assuming I can drop a pitch or 2?

    nick
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts: 4977
    #1051243

    First off are you running a stainless prop right now? Well I’m not expert or anything, but it sounds logical enough to drop down a couple on the pitch, there are a lot of factors, and usually some trade offs, what exactly are you trying to improve?

    randy-k
    West Central MN
    Posts: 106
    #1051246

    Looks like you should stay with 21p until you’ve tried the
    Tempest and the Enertia if you haven’t already. Many pro
    boats run the Tempest. No need to push that motor much past
    5200.

    07lotwchamp
    Andover, Mn
    Posts: 299
    #1051247

    Hey I have tested some props from nelson marine in WBL,
    Best I have found to be for the 115 opti is a Laser 2 in a 19 pitch, best bow lift, hole shot, top end and handling.
    rpms were at 5500 to 5600 with top end in the mid 40’s. Hope this helps…

    propmann
    Brainerd MN
    Posts: 53
    #1051250

    YOu are over proped you’ll want to go do to 19 pitch it will bring your rpms up to where it should be. Ma rpms are 5750 you want to be at least 5600 rpms.

    Paul Heise
    River Falls, Wi
    Posts: 723
    #1051267

    Sorry, for got to mention it is a plain old quicksilver alum. from Fleet Farm. I don’t have the coin for a SS right now and I usually wreck one every year or two while exploring canadian lakes.

    I’m looking to get on plane a little better with more people in the boat and maybe a bump in speed if possible, or do I give up one for the other?

    propmann
    Brainerd MN
    Posts: 53
    #1051271

    Quote:


    Sorry, for got to mention it is a plain old quicksilver alum. from Fleet Farm. I don’t have the coin for a SS right now and I usually wreck one every year or two while exploring canadian lakes.
    I’m looking to get on plane a little better with more people in the boat and maybe a bump in speed if possible, or do I give up one for the other?


    You shouldn’t lose any speed going down to a 19 since your picking up rpms. Another prop I would put on it would be the new quicksilver nemesis which is a 4 blade that will give you a better holeshot yet and there spose to be faster than there 3 blade. And they run pitch for pitch with the 3 blade.

    buzzer
    Garnavillo Iowa
    Posts: 542
    #1051282

    I’m running a laser 2 with my 115 opti. In a 13 x 19 ss hitting 5700 rps or so running 45 to 46 on gps been thinking about buying a 13x 19

    Paul Heise
    River Falls, Wi
    Posts: 723
    #1051314

    I also have a hydrfoil on my motor now. Should I leave it on or take it off if I drop to a 19p. Is it going to hurt my top end?

    Paul Heise
    River Falls, Wi
    Posts: 723
    #1051602

    Thanks for the input guys! Now I at least have a few ideas of props to try! I talked to Propulsion Inc in Hudson and he thinks he can get me set up a little better than I am right now! Got a time set to get my skeg fixed in the process also! (after 4 or 5 years of staring at it w/ chunks missing from a pool 3 wing dam and a few canadian rocks)

    Paul Heise
    River Falls, Wi
    Posts: 723
    #1052292

    Tried a Mich. Wheel 19p today. Removed my whale tale for a true test, and wow what a diff. in ride. Didn’t relize how much that thing actually SLAMMED the bow back down in rough water and when going across wakes. Now it skims through the waves!

    My whole shot was improved greatly and top end actually went up to 40+ mph at 5600-5700 RPM from 37-38mph at 5300-5400 rpm. Still thinking I’m going to try the 4 blade Nemesis for comparison sake for the full livewells and 3+ people on board holeshot. Man I wish I could pull the trigger on a stainless.

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