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Posts: 47
| Finding a correct prop for your situation covers more than prop pitch alone. Total weight and its distribution in your boat can change things drastically: two guys and a lot of gear vs just you, full tank of gas or no, where your batteries are located can all change performance without doing anything else. The more weight you pile in the more your performance suffers. Pulling skies/tubes is a whole different deal than getting up and going on your own.
That said I'd say your right in the wheelhouse for "enough" prop. Merc lists the "max RPM" as 5800 - 6400 RPM WOT range. In a perfect world, optimum conditions and perfect setup you would see over 53 mph with a 19P @ 6200. That indicates <10% prop slip so the rest of the setup looks good.
Changing props, assuming the same amount of slip, going up an inch in pitch will decrease your RPMs by 150 -200 which your motor will "tolerate" and still remain within the recommended MAX RPM range and should hit a little over 50 MPH @ 6050 RPM everything else being equal. Going to a 21 you'd get almost 52 @ 5900 RPM. The thing is your hole shot may be reduced and it will most certainly be more difficult to get those skiers up and out of the drink. Lots of folks keep a couple of different props and swap them based on the use of the day.
Stupid question: Have you played with the trim to optimize performance with your current prop or are you just "lining up the marks" on the trim gauge? Use your ear, GPS and tach to tell you what your rig likes.
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