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Posts: 19
| Hello I’m looking so see if anybody has any experience with a similar setup as I’m looking for different prop combination. Boat is a 2009 Ranger 619 full windshield with a Suzuki DF 225. Suzuki has a Bob’s 6” jackplate with a 4” setback. Boat has a 12 talon and a kicker motor. Currently turning a Mercury Tempest plus 23 Pitch. Boat does 50 mph and bounces off the limiter with a light load. Boat doesn’t have the greatest grip
in rough water as well. Most people I’ve talked to with my hull are getting high 50 and even touching 60 mph. I’m aware that Suzuki’s have a different ratio gearcase than the mercury's etc . I have tried a Tempest plus 24 and it cavitates at about half trim with the jackplate all the way down. I’ve looked at lowering the motor/ jackplate on the boat and the linkage will not allow in its current configuration.
If anybody has any experience with another line of prop it would be appreciated. Thanks much.
Edited by codebreaker05 9/5/2023 10:54 PM
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya!!
Been a while since I've been on here....
I'm curious...how high is the motor off the transom with the jack plate? If the setting is too high on the plate, ventilation will happen often. Now...while trimmed out and trying to turn, a good set up would require you to trim in so the rig can carve into the water without blowing out on a moderate turn.
I'd say your rig should be getting close to mid 50's. The tempest is a good prop, so the only thing I can think of as to why it would be blowing out on you is motor height. If you can lower the plate and test (assuming it is a manual plate and not electric or hydraulic) and see how it works, then continue to move it down until you find a spot that is comfortable for your preferred way of running.
Another prop to consider if you are unhappy with the tempest is to try a raker 2 (made by BRP) in that 24 pitch. Another option would be the RX3 which has the ability to adjust vent holes. The raker is designed for high motor heights which might be of benefit to you on your current set up.
Sorry I didn't get to this earlier. |
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Posts: 19
| Thanks for the reply.
With the jack plate all the way down the cavitation plate is basically even with the bottom of the hull. The previously owner installed the jack plate with intention of being able to jack the motor up while loading in shallow water, not so much for performance.
With the 23 I can trim the motor all the way up (with the jack plate lowered all the way) I do have to trim down if I'm going turn sharp. |
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Posts: 3480
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 |
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Posts: 19
| VMS,
All good info thanks, I'm in Northern MN.
The 23 Tempest I run has the large diameter plugs currently. I tried various size plugs on the 24, didn't really change anything. I did also try a Solas Rubex PROL3 25 pitch with the variable vents, it was all around worse. Tried several different vent settings.
My brother does have a 25 Raker that I could try. I will let you know the outcome if I try that.
I've put some feelers out on other forums and Facebook pages and the general consensus is to go to a larger diameter 4 blade prop like a Bravo 1 or Suzuki makes some as well. Could be an expensive endeavor getting it figured out, haha.
At the end of the day my boat works fine in the grand scheme. It would just be nice to run a few less rpms mid range to save on some fuel especially when I'm in Canada and going faster is never a bad thing.
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Posts: 19
| Update for record: Ended up buying a Mercury Bravo 1 FS. Boat will do almost 53 MPH- Holeshot greatly improved, will stay on plane at about 20 mph and rides much better.
Also to note: My buddy has a 2009 Ranger 620 repowered with a new Suzuki Df250. We tried my 23 Tempest Plus and my Bravo 25- would barely get on plane will both. He's running a large bladed 3 blade Solas 19 pitch prop He can do 52 MPH and can bounce off the limiter.
Conclusion: Propping is weird and you don't know until you know. |
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Posts: 19
| To Clarify the Bravo 1 FS is a 25 Pitch |
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Posts: 19
| Another update for record: I did have the outboard Tuned by Outboard EFI tuning. Top speed wasn't improved but the boat is much better on hole shot and midrange. Also seems to be more fuel efficient midrange. Well worth the $800. I tried all of my other props after the tune and it still likes the Bravo 1 FS the best.
Edited by codebreaker05 11/21/2024 12:40 PM
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2009 Ranger 619 Suzuki 225. Prop question