Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
In doing a bit of research on the motor, and assuming it was new last year, I would be interested in checking with a dealer on the rev limiter. The max hp operating range puts it up to 6400 rpm, so if it is topping out at 6100, I believe there is a potential issue there.
Now...given the rev limiter is correct and is set for 6100, you could go up in pitch on all counts. If it is limiting out, it means you have room to play with a higher pitch.
The Vengeance 3 blade is a great prop...I think the issue you may have had there is that going down in number of blades, then dropping in pitch is why I feel it didn't perform as you may had hoped. If you can try out an 18 pitch you, you might find it to be a little more to your liking, and may give you more throttle usage before hitting the limiter. I would not be surprised if the 18 pitch 3 blade steel was close. If it still hits a rev limiter, add another inch in pitch and try again.
The 4 blade felt better for handling due to the extra blade, which is also why it stays hooked up a little better than a 3 blade as you have more contact with the water.
Another prop brand to try on that would be Michigan rapture or a ballistic.
If you can get a chance to get the rev limiter checked to confirm the 6100, go up in pitch. That boat should be a 40 - 42 mph boat. With the gear ratio you have, you should be able to reach that mph when you are lightly loaded and be right at the rev limiter.
I think there is room to play with higher pitch.
Your other option is to go to a larger diameter. This will increase the handling of the boat without being too sacrificial to hole shot. If you go that route, you will not have a speed demon, but it should handle well.
Steve |
