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Thanks to all who responded for your welcomes. However, I still have a question which I would like to get discussions on. I need to focus this question to Basscat factory folks. I originally tagged it as a reply to my original posting but need to start a freash discussion. Hey Basscat, thank you for the welcome. But I still have a question concerning which prop is best for my setup as explained in original post. My new Sabre has the Mercury 150 EFI, with hyd steering and jackplate. It was delivered with a 23 pitch tempest, but after reading numerous entries on this board about using jackplates on Sabres with 23 pitch and , hitting rev limiters/ will I pull too many Rpms with the 23 Tempest before I reach full throttle-I realize raising the jackplate provides cleaner water, and can be brought down to factory setting to control rpms because of prop pitch vs. jackplate height…But, I am trying to accomplish full use of the jack plate versus full performance capability. So, will running a 25 pitch give same performance on hole shot but more top end while adding more height to jackplate?? Or does sticking with 23 pitch make best choice., particularly while raising jackplate. Have I confused anyone yet?? Unfortunatly, I have not had boat on water yet, but if a 25 pitch Tempest is a better choice -than now would be the time to swap out. The 23 is brand new and I can swap it across the board for the 25. Please advise…
I know you directed your post to BCB but I thought Id throw my 2 cents in and if Im wrong BCB will correct me. If you normally only run your boat with a light load and just yourself I would suggest the 25″ temptest. Your setup can turn a 25 under those circumstances and you will have a good hole shot and excellent top speed, somewhere in the 65-68mph range. If you normally run your boat with 2 big boys in it and a lot of tackle and gear then you may consider staying with the 23″ temptest. Under these loading conditions the 23 will offer a blistering hole shot and 62-65 mph in top end speed once your engine height is set up correctly. It is my opinion that in most cases you will be happier with the 23 on the newer sabre hulls. It seems as though they dont have quite the top end potential as some of the previous hulls. That being said they have increased stability, shallower draft, easier control and sharper handling than the previous hulls did, making them a better all around package for most folks. If you are searching for the ulitmate top speed for your setup then the 25 will be your best bet. But, if your looking for an all around prop from the hole shot to the top then the 23 will probably leave you more satisfied in the end. Hope this helps you out and Im sure others will be along shortly to add (or correct if need be) to my comments. Either way you go, have fun setting her up. It is always a blast wringing out the cat. Even after 7 full years with mine I love to unload all my gear and go down to the Bayou with my Classic and watch the surprised look on peoples faces as she eats them up. Chris Coupel Paulina, la.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
Thanks Chris for responding, I guess I am in a win-win ether way, but do want to maximize the boats potential as well as full use of equipment purchased. I know you know what I mean. I will probably use as a 50-50 spilt ( alone or with partner), but only as a recreational fisherman or small tourney here or there. I do intend on tubing, or even skiing once in awhile with wife or kids- so this is why I am asking. Thanks again. Rob
Our suggestion would be a 24 in a three blade and a 23 in a Trophy, though we will not either know for sure till you run it. These are all different and there is no set best propeller on this rig. On a Puma or Cougar FTD we have a definite opinion that will work best all most all the time. Though on a Sabre, all bets are off till we know you performance with a load and your particular boat and engine. Sorry we cant help more! BCB
Thanks, BCB for responding, and sorry I couldnt provide “real ” info of boat on water. Soon to come…weather has to break soon! In any event I hadnt even thought about a 24 Pitch, thank you for input. As to engine height with jackplate, do you have an opinion on height that it should be set at? will it change with different pitches? any info will help. Thank you again,
Trial and testing at the only answers to your question. All things are relative to steering wheel torque and whether or not you have a jackplate. If so, then run it up or down till you have just a touch of torque. BCB
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