Location: Eagle Lake Vermilion Bay, Ontario | since my son and i have the first amount of real time in the proto tiller and not talking to many theory's i'll add what i've seen/experienced so far with the hull and regarding powering it.
***i have run big tillers since the mid 80's ( skeeter,ranger,lund) and this 21' osprey is the real deal. the boat control is like a dream after running tin for the past 8 yrs.,my chronic back problems from bouncing and banging are gone and i dont even have spring ride , i have TRIED to get wet and cant. it is without a doubt the dryest and most stable ride i have had in 28 yrs.,i feel like a kid in a candy store every time i leave the dock.
***as far as mtrs; 175-200 vs 250, verado/4 stroke vs opti
the 250 pro xs with big tiller has a rpm dial down feature to 700rpm's as does any tiller with big tiller steering option.
trolling walleyes or lakers depending upon how slow i use the 36v terrova for 1.2-2.5 or so,i can use the big mtr down to about 3.2 with the dial down feature and by simply putting the terrova in for a bit of drag down to 2.6-2.8.
for trolling muskies at 3.0-4.5 i trolled for 8 days straight 10 hrs per day on less than 3/4 tank.
the 175 or 200 verado will not troll down any slower. the 175's we ran on 20' lund pro guides for 4 yrs was about the same stats,maybe with a 400# more boat weight in the tuffy and no drag from rivets and seams you MIGHT see .1-.3 diff ,maybe.
the verado is a sweet mtr, if/when merc comes out with a 250 it will be an option i MIGHT consider. depends on its weight. the fuel savings in the 2 stroke is more than you'd think,i was really surprised.
i was also bit leery at first of the 250 but now after use i feel it is the best choice,by far.
REASONS.
the boat is 2000# before mtr/steering pump,and options ( i have a terrova,vantage,and talon) ,5 batts (3 for 36v,1 for starting/acc's,1 for steering pump,full tank and livewell ,and 2-4 fishermens you'r easy over 3500#,probably more.
the 250 pro xs is smaller and lighter at 505# max weight ( same as 200 and 225) than the verado 175-200 at 510 #lightest weight availalble. the 250 tiller if ?/when? available will be arund 650# plus pump.
i can run at 4000-4200 rpms at 42-44 mph and the mtr is cruising,just humming,hardley even working and achieving 12-13 GPH.
severaal tillers are going out powered like this so we'll see but i'd make an educated guess and say the 175-200 verado will have to be at full throttle to make 45-48 mph and consequently you'll see the mpg go way down. at 4000-4200 which is optimum cruise i cant see more than 35-38.
a 21' boat is designed for big water and i cant see traveling/cruising distances at less than 40 mph and at days end or impending storm its nice to know if you need it you got it to head for the barn.
THIS IS WHAT IS AMAZING AND PUTS INTO PERSPECTIVE. running this combo this rig is using about the same or slightly less gas running same distances on eagle as the pro staff 20' lund alaskens with yamaha 115's !!! and on avg 1/4 less gas day than the 20' pro v with a verado 175 .
when im running and gunning spots with an hr left in the evening or running from a storm and i need it i can get 52-53 mph (this is full tank and livewell and min. 3 big people) with a rev 4 blade 23 , im sure there's more there as we havent even played with diff. propping options (im not convinced this is the proper prop for this set up)and hole height yet.
if anyone wants to take a first hand peak,test ride (be glad to),and/or personal conversation give me a shout at [email protected]. stop on your way by or if you've booked a stay at AML, or upon my return at seasons end.
by the way this rig(s) are available for sale/delivery at seasons end nov 15 fully rigged and transferable warrentys including 5 yr merc., if interested or for discussion just e-mail me to arrange phone call timing . also steve worrall who has more experience than anyone alive with all tuffy hulls may be reached at [email protected].
steve herbeck
AML prop. emeritus
guest fishing instruction coordinator
master guide
U.S. marketing liason
Edited by Andy Myers Lodge 7/5/2015 7:34 AM
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