Posts: 3475
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | O.k
Next Question. On the tempest, do you have the vent plugs completely blocked on the prop? Usually this is not an issue at full speed, but can be in rougher conditions. The vent holes help the motor to reach a higher RPM before the exhaust gasses blow past the vent holes, so this is more for curiosity than anything.
When running, you should be able to raise the motor up a couple of inches and the prop should still hold well at trim. The key here is not to over-trim, though.... You ever see those boat where the rooster tail is really high? That is not ideal. At most, the tail should be level with the top of the motor when running. Any higher and it is a loss of efficiency.
If you can get into a raker 24 or 25 it might be a good fit, although going to a 4 blade could be a good option as well. The boat is heavy so a good 4 blade can help lift the entire boat, although you will lose some top end out of it in that transition, as you would likely need to drop in pitch...although if you are hitting a rev limiter with the 23 tempest, you might find a 4 blade 23 could be a solid hit. If you try this route, I would consider a mercury Revolution 4 or a solas Titan 4. the Rev 4 will allow you to maintain motor height and still grab well...and on those days where you just want to cruise along, it could be dynamite! It all depends on what you are looking for out of your boat.
Me personally, I want big water capability as I like fishing in waves. Sometimes getting there can be a real pain if I have vent holes in a prop as midrange the prop continues to go back and forth with prop slippage. Went to a 4 blade this past year and lost a couple MPH, but man can it handle the water... I can keep the bow up (my rig has the tank in the bow) which helps tremendously!!
If you were close to the twin cities, I'd meet up with you and we can look at multiple things
Steve |
