Follow up Prop help/Phill A and others

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 10 months ago by BasscatRJ.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
August 9, 2008 at 6:59 pm #305161

BasscatRJ
Participant

Hey folks, I posted a message a while back looking help with my 2006 Puma set up. I was running a 25P Trophy on a 225 Pro XS. I havent been able to hit the low 70s tournament rigged like everyone else claims they are. I was running about 66 mph on gps at 5750 to 5800 rpms with motor 1/2 inch high and had plenty of rooster tail. Prop had been reworked. I got a new 25P prop and lowered the motor to just a tick below flush and the rooster tail is pretty much gone and I hit 68.5 tournament rigged with a partner full tanks but empty livewells. The diference now is that I only could turn 5590 rpms. Did I go down to far with the motor? Whats caused the reduced rpms? Where do you suggest I go from here to get low 70s like Im told this rig should run? By the way I also put 6 new NGK plugs in yesterday. Thanks

August 9, 2008 at 7:58 pm #305162

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Lose partner, lose some gas, and cooler weather is apt to get you 3-4 mph. That makes 72ish. RPMs will likely pick up to 57-5800 as well. The reduced rpms that you are experiencing now is due to lack of prop slip which you want.

August 9, 2008 at 9:04 pm #305163

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We suggest you have your local Mercury Technician scope your ports and check the internal bore out. Then lets see where you are. BCB

August 9, 2008 at 9:39 pm #305164

NELA COUGAR
Participant

Im not sold on the four blades. My rig is definitely faster with the three blade. Most times when you lower the engine youll lose RPM. Ive also seen sometimes with a BassCat it actually helps gain speed during that process. Phill said something about prop slip. With a three blade you will get more of this.I would recommend a three blade fury but they dont make a 25. See if one of your buddies has a 25 pitch three blade tempest you can try. Raise the motor to about 1/4 above flush. I believe youll be surprised. Glynn

August 9, 2008 at 9:56 pm #305165

BasscatRJ
Participant

OK, thanks all. 1. I was hitting the 5800 rpms just a couple of weeks ago and it was hotter then than today. I thought I should be closing in on low 70s with a partner, gas etc. with this set-up. I hit 70 by myself before changing props but lost about 4 mph when adding partner. Ill probably lose some moe when I fill the livewells. By the way the hole shot seemed better today also. 2. BCB, what are you suggesting? Is this something any Merc mechanic can do? 3. I still dont have an excess of steering torwue. Would you go up or down from here? 4. Ill look for a tempet to try.Thanks everyone.RJ

August 9, 2008 at 10:49 pm #305166

PhilAddison
Participant

If you decide to get a Tempest I suggest getting a Fury. It comes in 24, 25, and 26 sizes. Youll pay for it right now though due to supply and demand! If you dont have steering torque then you can raise the engine. A prop that wont hold water will allow the bow to drop as you raise the engine and cause hull drag. This may have been what you experienced with a high rooster tail before. What Bass Cat meant by having the ports checked is by taking to your Mercury mechanic. There have been instances where the sleeve has rolled on some causing loss of hp. Good luck.

August 9, 2008 at 11:58 pm #305167

6packbacklash
Participant

RJ, I like all the recommendations EXCEPT “Lose your Partner”…..I enjoyed Lake Gaston today…had a ball.John W

August 10, 2008 at 1:00 am #305168

BasscatRJ
Participant

JW Good fishin partners are hard to find. Ill settle for sub 70 before I kick you out. Plus youre fixin to get a new 09 Puma. Be a bad time to get rid of a partner. RJ

August 10, 2008 at 1:39 pm #305169

NELA COUGAR
Participant

PhilAddison wrote: If you decide to get a Tempest I suggest getting a Fury. It comes in 24, 25, and 26 sizes. Sorry, didnt realize they made a 25. Glynn

August 10, 2008 at 10:29 pm #305170

BasscatRJ
Participant

Will taking the motor back up help get the rpms back up? I have seen it hit 5850 before I lowered the motor? I understand from your feedback that the sweet spot is different depending on each boat and the characteristics of the prop and other things impacting setup. But in theory what is ideal? Do you want to have some steering torque, no rooster tail, some rooster tail etc? Just looking for something to shoot for. Im going raise the motor 1/4 inch above flush and see what happens. . How much time does it take to check the bore and inspect the ports? I wish Id have known that earlier as I just had it in for the 100 hour service and you know what its like to get in to the dealer this time of year. Thanks for all the help. RJ
Author

Posts

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register