Anyone know about Mercury Props?

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

An update:
new mech tested tach- it's reading correctly. He also advanced the timing 4 degrees, and the engine purrs (in my driveway anyway!) I don't know how this will affect rpms- any ideas?
I definately think I'll be going to a SS prop. The Enertia worked pretty well, so I'll be watching ebay for one. Do I need to get one specifically for a Volvo Penta, or just a prop and the Penta hub kit?
Should I retest the props with the tuned-up motor first? What about the 4 bladed props- I know I'll lose rpms, which I may not be able to afford. Are there any in around a 15 or 16 p that would give me the rpms I want and the other all around performance. I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has traded up from an Enertia or Vengeance straight to a 4 blade, and how did it work out? thanks again guys.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

I don't know that you'd find anyone that has ran an Enertia that gives them there best-ever numbers, that has gone to a 4-bld.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

An update:
new mech tested tach- it's reading correctly. He also advanced the timing 4 degrees, and the engine purrs (in my driveway anyway!) I don't know how this will affect rpms- any ideas?
I definately think I'll be going to a SS prop. The Enertia worked pretty well, so I'll be watching ebay for one. Do I need to get one specifically for a Volvo Penta, or just a prop and the Penta hub kit?
Should I retest the props with the tuned-up motor first? What about the 4 bladed props- I know I'll lose rpms, which I may not be able to afford. Are there any in around a 15 or 16 p that would give me the rpms I want and the other all around performance. I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has traded up from an Enertia or Vengeance straight to a 4 blade, and how did it work out? thanks again guys.

Umm no, but i am going from a 4 blade to the enertia.I have acquired the 60 mph bug.....:redface: that could be expensive.

However i will keep the 4 bl for it's overall performance, While a 3 blade from the same mfg was faster, the 4 blade gave the boat more lift and more midrange with a 1.5 mph loss. Although i did not do actual launch time's there was no difference in hole shot or hard cornering.

I should say that i was lucky when i put the 4bl on, it seem's to match the performance character of my hull very well. I get enough lift i can really launch off a wave (airborne) if i choose, if im cruising around and get a little bored getting some place it's a kick to setup a porpsing oscillation and see just how far it get's going.......

It's all about performance style the prop give's and what make's you grin and the luck of the draw along with a liitle guidance from those in the know..

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I think I'll quit looking for rainbows for a while and just get me an Enertia and live happily ever after. thanks again

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Hey guys! there is a Stiletto 3 blade stainless on ebay in the same dimensions and pitch as the Enertia.. Anyone know how they compare? thanks

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

I am still continuing the search for the perfect prop. As I've gone through in my previous posts, I've had the engine tuned, the hull gleams, and the prop performance hasn't changed. I took it out today and the 17P Michigan alum still goes 32 mph (gps) at 4200 RPM WOT, leaving me overpropped. The 19P still has no hole shot, no top end, and rpms of around 3500 WOT.
I'm going into Salt Lake on Wednesday to try out some props. The places I've contacted so far that rent props for testing all sell Mercury props.
The props are from $15 to 20 each for the day, so I would like some input on which Merc props would be best for my situation. I would like to use only those that give me a reasonable shot at fulfillment.
I am going to try both 3 and 4 blade, probably SS, (but alum if you guys suggest it) and it was suggested by one dealer that I try a 5 blade. Could you experts give me some idea of which merc props to try? Which have the best rep for performance? Which would probably give me the best overall performance? How do they compare with say the Solas Titan or Stiletto props.

23 ft deckboat, 5800 lbs loaded, volvo penta 250 hp. WOT range is 4200 to 4800.
Thanks for the input.

Before you go put a bunch of money down, id interact with WH for a while, that is a very large and heavy boat and the enteria might not have qualities to push that much boat and motor to it's full potential.

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

I agree with the idea of discussing it with WH, but I believe the Enertia will handle his boat...

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

To answer those possible questions, yes...the Enertia's primary purpose was intended for the heavier style sterndrives and off-shore outboards...actually the target was off-shore outboard but we've found it works quite well in medium to heavy sterndrive apps.
I thought I seen a question about how the E7 would compare to a stiletto...we're not comparing apples to apples there and I think by the data I do have, the E7 is going to work better than the stiletto on your boat style and size.
Somewhere on these forums, I had test results of about 80-100 different SS props on several different rigs, but each time we change to a new forum board, those pinned test results get thrown out.
I had a few that included certain alum props just for comparison sake....I guess some day I'll sit down and try and post those and pin them again.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Thanks again Walleyehed. I will definately keep an eye open for the Enertia. I should buy it from the store I rented the prop from, but they want over $100 more than I could get it elsewhere. I'm loyal but also cheap.
I would love to see the comparisons you spoke of posted again. It would definately cut down on the reposts. Thanks again to all who've responded.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Just a reply on my latest trip to Powell. You guys cannot overemphasize the need for tuning on an engine. I can't believe the difference a little timing change made! Even if you have to take it to several mechanics to get the job done right, it's worth it! Powerful hole shot and gained 5 mph and 400 rpm. This with the 17p aluminum prop. RPMs now in ideal range (4600 vs 4200 before tuning). The prop still blows out in a turn, but I can live with it until I get some cash built up to buy the Enertia. I can't see any reason why the Enertia wouldn't show a gain over it's previous performance either. Now I just need to learn how to adjust trim and throttle to pull different skiers and wakeboarders as I get on plane, as the boat tries to leap forward once there. Thanks so much again for all the help.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Just a reply on my latest trip to Powell. You guys cannot overemphasize the need for tuning on an engine. I can't believe the difference a little timing change made! Even if you have to take it to several mechanics to get the job done right, it's worth it! Powerful hole shot and gained 5 mph and 400 rpm. This with the 17p aluminum prop. RPMs now in ideal range (4600 vs 4200 before tuning). The prop still blows out in a turn, but I can live with it until I get some cash built up to buy the Enertia. I can't see any reason why the Enertia wouldn't show a gain over it's previous performance either. Now I just need to learn how to adjust trim and throttle to pull different skiers and wakeboarders as I get on plane, as the boat tries to leap forward once there. Thanks so much again for all the help.

How much was your timing off? I've got a problem with my rpm's and I adjusted the timing (mine was really off) hopefully it will help! (won't know for sure until i take it out next weekend.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Four degrees. It made an incredible difference. As I wrote, I had to take it to two different mechs to get it set right.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Four degrees. It made an incredible difference. As I wrote, I had to take it to two different mechs to get it set right.

Did it make the difference at WOT ? That is where my rpm's are lagging. Engine sounded right, but who knows!

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

You need to run your current prop again with the timing set right - It will affect performance.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

It helped from hole to plane. Hole shot improved, also top end. The gain in RPM @ WOT was 3-400. The engine sounded good before the timing advance, but I was lugging the engine. The guy that fixed it used to race boats with his brother, so I figured he would know what he was doing. When the experts on this forum tell you to make sure the boat is running perfect before you go trying props. you need to listen. I don't know how many props I might have gone thru and still not been satisfied, when the biggest problem was the engine itself.
I feel like I am actually learning stuff reading here! Who'd of thunk it?

 

[Mike V]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Great feedback sharps; going to tune up before I start the prop search
Mike

 

[sharps45]

Re: Anyone know about Mercury Props?

Just a follow-up on my search. I picked up a once-used Mercury Enertia in the 16 pitch I wanted off Ebay for $278+ship. That's almost a $200 savings! Can't wait till next season to play some more. Thanks again to all for the advice!