Hello<br />I recently purchased 1995 VIP stealth 165, with a Force 70hp by Mercury. It was great deal, got it in a divorce sell from a good friend that never used it. The motor was serviced last year and used twice, I was present both times. After I brought it home, the first thing I did was a compression test; all three were at 120psi. From the looks of the motor, it’s never been rebuilt; all bolts look to have factory paint with no wrench marks. While running wide open the motor doesn’t seem to run enough rpm’s on the 15-pitch prop. Presently I don’t have a RPM gauge, boat was not installed with one.<br /><br />I’ve tried to gather all information and history on this boat with very little luck. The previous owner stated that when he bought the boat it was missing the prop and the marina took a prop from a Bass Tracker and stuck it on. I’ve called Mercury, they and another local marina suggest a 10 &1/2 by 13p to help with hole shots because of the weight, that’s the only problem I’ve found so far.<br /><br />According to VIP this boat was a special order, because they only put 75hp on that model boat, and the RPM gauge was standard. From my understanding the boat was bought at a whole sale boat store. I’ve ordered a new prop, should have it by the weekend. Will the 13p prop kill my topend speed (32GPS)and what normal maintenance should be performed to keep the motor running great. I’ve already changed the lower unit oil and plugs, and ran some sea foam threw the motor.<br /><br />Brgds<br />Cory
<br />Peter