Change Prop or Not?

[Jody11148]

I just got to finish the breaking in of my Mercury XR6 150. I have a 18' Lund Mr.Pike fully rigged and two people weighs about 2400 pounds. I currently have a Mercury Tempst 21 pitch SS prop on the 150. Wide open, the tachometer reads 5200 RPMs, speed is 50MPH. The red line is 5600 RPMs. Should I go with a 19 pitch prop to get to the 5600 or stay at 5200?? Also, would the extra 400 RPMs provide anymore speed?<br />Thanks,<br />Joe

 

[ob]

Re: Change Prop or Not?

I'd drop to the 19" and get those revs in the upper end of the WOT operating range.Your motor will last longer.Also I don't think you will experience a discernable difference in top end speed with the increase in RPMs.Only a water test will confirm actual results.It will surely have crisper throttle response out of the hole.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Change Prop or Not?

If it were mine I would try raising the motor (increase the X dimension). The Tempest is a decent prop and should like the increase. You should gain overall performance. And it costs nothing but a little time.<br /><br />Good luck!