200 Merc Offshore prop??

[newellchunker]

I've got a '93 Mercury 200 offshore on a Larson DC-225 Center Console/ cuddy. Presently running a Merc. Mirage 48-18278 15X17P with me (300lbs) and around 40 gallons of fuel it turns 5300-5400 wot. My question is could I drop down in diameter and go up in pitch...say 14 1/2 X 19p and increase rpm and fuel economy?? I'm pretty new to this stuff and all help is appreciated.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 200 Merc Offshore prop??

The Mirage is a fairly decent prop. You paid for the technology, why not try to take advantage of it?<br /><br />Going from a 17 to a 19 will drop the rpm even more and therefore be harder on the motor than you already are. Never, ever change props just to gain rpm wothout maxing out what you have first.<br /><br />Lets look at your baseline now. Where is the motor mounted? All the way down?

 

[newellchunker]

Re: 200 Merc Offshore prop??

Ok, the motor is bracket mounted and is approx. 23 inches from the transom. The cavitation plate is level with the boats hull (I took a straight piece of steel and checked!). Where do we go from here....up?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 200 Merc Offshore prop??

If youre 23" back and level you're about 4-5" too low. I'd raise it up and test. You could go up as far as you can but I'd rather see you go up halfway and test. We need to see how the hull reacts.

 

[newellchunker]

Re: 200 Merc Offshore prop??

Thanks, I'll get her raised up this week and try her next weekend........til then!!