Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin | If you have the right rpms now, my next thought would be to try close to the same pitch in a SS that you are running now, like maybe a 16 or 17 pitch Viper or Raker in BRP models. You said your current prop is beat up so maybe the SS would spin easier than you Al prop. That might negate the stiffer blade geometry. I don't know if Merc has a prop that fits your motor in the Tempest Plus line, but they are fine props. You just use the hub kit to adapt to your motor. Again I'm thinking a 16 or 17 pitch.
If you can get a SS prop on and are close to the optimum RPMs you might just be able to raise the motor another hole to make use of the SS cupping, and to get the RPMs back up again. Generally, E-TECs like to run higher on the transom and SS will let you do it. Optimum is having the cavitation plate totally visible above the water while running trimmed up and at cruising speed or higher. Aluminum is not a good choice for doing this as it has less grip than the SS props so it cavitates on turns at higher transom settngs and has less bow lift.
Ideal situation is to find a prop you can try without buying it. Then if it doesn't work you have nothing lost and are closer to finding the best setup. It gets expensive in a hurry if you are trying and buying as it usually takes more than a few trys to find the best prop and motor height. This isn't a quick process getting the very best setup.
Just remember, keep the RPMs up at the 5200 level with your NORMAL load, higher with a light load (5500), and your motor will give you the very best performance it can.
Final though is this. If you get close with a prop you like but aren't quite there, a prop guru can customize it for you to get the rest of the way to the perfect RPMs and lift for a couple hundred bucks. I've been told many times Merc props have the best steel so if you are thinking about this, I'd go with the Merc brand over the newer BRP stuff. Old OMC props had better steel from when they were made in Milwaukee but it might be a bear to find one.
Good luck and keep us posted on your results. |
