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Shap from La.
Id like some expert opinions about motor options and props for a new Cougar Advantage Elite. Im leaning toward an Evinrude 225 E-Tec. What would be the best prop for that boat/motor combo? If I went with an E-Tec 250 instead, what would be the best prop? What should I expect the top end speed to be with each motor? Any help would really be appreciated!
For an ETec in 225 HO we are not sure on the propeller. They have changed the case and mapping on the 250 and we know that one takes a larger propeller than most think it should. Most are running a 28 or 27 on that set up. The 225 we dont know what the specs are ourselves. BCB Admin.
I would expect a 26/277 fury on the 225HO as long as you dont get stuck with an SLE lower unit. I cant remember of the 225HO is getting stuck with that pig they obviously stole from a tanker ship.If you get a SLE lower unit with that lower unit I would still expect to be around a 27 fury.That boat with a 225HO and an L2 lower unit would be a friggin rocket ship. My tourney parter has a cougar AE with a 225pro xs and it runs 72-73 with both of us and both tanks full of gas with a 25 fury. If I owned it Id scrap some hole shot and it would have a 26 fury on it.That hull with a 225 is simply a badass. A 250 would make it scary in a nice way. Im pretty sure that hull with a 250 would give 90% of the eyras with a 250 all they wanted.C.O.D. Jr. III
Oh I just saw your motor choice was a toss up.Its not a toss up.I own an evinrude and would suggest you get a merc unless your mechanic is really good and greatly prefers evinrude. Nothing new to settle for mercury. Got issues like all of them but everything I see happen is a known issue that their large dealer network can handle.Last edited by clownshoes on August 22nd, 2011, 1:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.C.O.D. Jr. III
The Cougar AE is a great hull, like the other 20 BCBs, but i would put all the engine on it i could afford ! You dont have to run it w.o.t. everywhere you go. You can cruise at 4500-5000rpms and still get good fuel mileage, but still have the guts to go on a rampage if so desired ! Mine is an 08 so it is a bit different hull than the new rigs, and yes, it is quick simply due to tank and battery placement and a light front end, and yes it is fun, but it rides differently as well, so tit for tat…….But i will replace the 225 with a 250 if i get a chance !And Ward, it will have a 26p on it come fall !
I just bought an 08 with a standard 225 Opti. It has a 25 Trophy running 30 gallons of fuel two peoples gear (I carry more than most plus my wife fishes with me) Im turning the Trophy 5680 RPMs in the heat at 71.8. A kid can drive the boat at that speed its so stable. Unless you have the need for speed IMO the 225 is plenty. Run the brand motor you can get serviced locally. I have my GPS tied int the SC system and so far havent seen much difference in MPG from my prior Sabre FTD with a 175 ProXS unless I crack it open. It runs nice in the mid 50s getting 4.5 MPG give or take a tenth. So far Im loving making the move. The only downside I can see to the Trophy from the Fury so far is loading. The Fury and Raker will push you through the back of the truck. You load the boat deeper with the Trophy because it wont push the boat on the trailer.
I had a 2006 Cougar AE (was called an FTD then) with a 225HO with the lightning gearcase of that era – I ran a 27 Trophy and 74mph was common. A buddy owns it now and runs a 26 Fury at the same speeds.I also had a 2008 Cougar FTD with a 250HO and lightning gearcase. Best prop was a 26 Fury, it was 1.4mph faster than a Trophy. Top Speeds were 75.7-79.4 depending on load, time of year, etc. (Note that I ran 82.6 with a modified Tempest by myself with a light load after break in – was a hot motor)Lastly I had a 2009 Cougar FTD with a 250 HO. With Lightning 1.71 gearcase the 25 and 26 Fury were best, ran 75.5-78.6 depending (max ever was 79.9 after break in with light load=not quite as strong as 2008 motor) With SLE 1.85 gearcase; 26 Fury ran 75.5-76.7 by myself, 26 Raker II ran 73.3-76.9 and 28 Raker 75.1-79.1.The SLE is a bit slower but more reliable than the Lightning and has a diff gear ratio which means a bit higher pitch prop. Either HP will do well but I highly recommend the Fury prop!! The Cougar AE is a great boat and I LOVE the front deck compartment layout. Good luck!
Of course I want all of the speed available, but that doesnt mean Id really use it. I think a 225 will give me all the power I”ll probably need. If Ive read between the lines correctly, it seems that I should lean toward a 26p Fury? Will that give me the hole shot I need? Im concerned that Bass Cat admin doesnt know what prop the 225 ETec should carry. Has the motor been redesigned recently? The Bass Cat website has a photo of the Cougar AE being pushed by a 225 ETec. What prop was on that motor? Did it have any issues? Im confused! (That seems to be my standard state these days!)
Cant say for sure about the pitch since my 2006 225 had a different lower unit and great ratio. The Fury for sure but the best guess at this point is a 26. The hole shot was good with the Furys and Trophys I ran.Theres not as much data out there on the E-Tecs and the lower units changed for this season so less prop advice is available.The 250 would have better resale than a 225 if that matters to you as well as more top end if and when you wanted it.
At risk of Hyjacking this post, D-MAN if you ever do decide to upgrade to a 250 let me know, Ive got a place for that 225 proxs.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
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