I have a regular Cougar 2003 model with a 2003 225HO Ficht with hydraulic plate. Proping this beast has been a real challenge. I dont have a perfect one but the 28″ Trophy is my favorite so far for all around perf. Both of my props are a bit scuffed up and have slowed down a bit. Here is a summary (all speeds GPS):28″ Raker Evinrude 3 blade- quick hole shot but some blow out if engine and jack are not just right (I dont like the blow out) / slight slip at low speed cruise (a bit annoying) / incredible bow lift / easily hit the rev limiter (6200)!, when new hit 78.1 with full tanks and 2 guys, so if it can be modified to 6000rpm I would expect more speed / can loose entire grip when slowing way down to go over barge wake. Summary – very fast but hard to live with.28″ Merc Trophy 4 blade – great hole shot! / smooth cruise! / when prop was fresh 80.3 by myself, now just 78 at best, 75-77.5 with 2 folks, 6150-6200 when new, 5950-6050 now / can hold boat on plan at 2750rpm! Summary – great all around prop! I would think that freshening up the prop would add some speed back.29″ Tempest Merc 3 blade – terrible hole shot / had to run too high on jack plate to get to top of RPM range and water pressure was on the edge, so I gave up on it.I have heard that the E-Tec is stronger than the Ficht HO on the low end and has incredible hole shot. It is supposed to be quieter too. I dont yet know about the top-end or the actual horspower vs the Ficht model. I am not sure about the lower unit situation either, i.e. does yours have the same high performance gearcase as mine or just a standard one? I do know that Evinrude has had a challenge over that past couple of years with improving their props to handle these engines. Hopefully this info will help. It is hard to find anyone with an Evinrude on a Cat and I would love to hear from others with the same set up to get some input on mine as well. This rig I have seems to be faster than other 225s unless one of the super light-weight brands is around and the water is smooth for them. Good luck and keep me posted, I may want to try one of those E-Tecs in a year or so.
Ive got a standard Cougar with a 2003 225HO. The 28″ Trophy is terrific. In the PVS holes, I use 2 small hole and 2 medium hole plugs. This eliminates all blow-out / slip yet I still have a great hole shot. Top speed is fantastic too (with full fuel and tackle, but no passenger, Ive hit 80.7mph gps). Since the PUMA is heavier the 27″ may be better. With either one, play around with the PVS vent plugs to get the ventilation the way you want it. Im sure you will enjoy your rig!
There were a couple of E-Tecs at the Invitational. I didnt get to talk to either of the owners but I noticed that one of them had a 27″ Trophy on his.I noted that they sure do idle quietly. Good luck.
Hey jignig:It is great that your 11y/o is into fishing. That makes for great times for you all to spend together. Enjoy it!!
It is nice to see that an independant source is verifying what we Basscat owners (myself since 1986) have know all along –
BASSCATS ARE THE BEST BASSBOATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats again……..
This isnt a direct help but Ive run a Cougar with a 225HO for the last three years. I did allot of experimenting. The 4 blade Trophy was by far my favorite prop. It does everything well. You do have to experiment with the PVS vent plugs to get the best hole-shot. That is one of the things that make the Mercury props so great. I use a 28″ small hub Trophy on my rig with two small hole and two medium hole plugs. My hole shot is quick (only 4-5 seconds!) and smooth! Top speed was awesome too (76-78 with full loads and 79-81.5 when Im alone). With the four standard large hole plugs I had allot of blow out. With most of the holes plugged the hole shot was extremely slow. The difference is amazing.So with the 200HO and 19 boat I bet the 27″ or 26″ will be the ticket. Good luck.
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