Prop for Cougar

Are you saying it is loosing rpm?

What does your rpm read when it starts alarming? Could be other things, low oil in the cowling, trash in the fuel line….need more info…96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

Hmmmmm. I have a 2004 Cougar/225 Optimax. When I test drove the boat it was completely empty of any tackle. This was in late September and the temps were probably in the 70s with water temp high 70s-low 80s. With a 25 Trophy Plus I was hitting the limiter but I was trimmed out pretty good and running 68-69mph on the gps. As it got cooler later in the year, I couldnt stay off the limiter even with all my tackle in the boat. I got a 26 Trophy Plus (because I found a deal) and it got my rpms down around 5750 and I was able to hit 72.1 on gps. I have had many recommendations to try a 25 Fury on my rig but I just cant spend the money at this time. Besides that, 72 is fine with me because I am learning to slow down and save some gas. Since Im not tournament fishing there is no real need to try to prove anything.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

Jackplate setting adjustment could be another problem/option. I did lower my jackplate at first and got my rmps down a little bit. Once I put the 26 on i had to raise it back up a little for the best performance.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

My guess is someone has done some shotty work on the prop and you need to try something different. There may be considerable history with the prop that you dont know about. It could be a set up issue too, but Im bettin on the prop. If you have a friend with a similar prop try theirs. If not, run by a local wrench and ask to borrow one of theirs with the promise to purchase a new one from them if that is the issue. To check you set up simply look at the inner and outer plates on the jack plate and make sure the inner plate is no higher than 1/2″ – 1″ above the outer plate.