Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

[BRWGL1800]

I have a 1982 Ranger 335V bass boat, just under 17 feet long. The max. HP is rated at 140. The hull weight is between 1,000 and 1,100 lbs.<br />The motor is a 1982 Johnson 115 with a 13X19 SSTII prop.<br /><br />Fist question... The prop has been reworked a couple of times the last being a repair of a spun hub. Now it doesn't have the "bite" it used to. Before, I could trim the motor way up near the top of the trim field of my tilt/trim gauge without any problem. I now can't move it up from the lowest setting too far (well before the "Trim" indicator) before I get what seems to be ventilation. The hole-shot is nothing like it use to be either. With a load of 5 people (6 max) the other day, my max RPM was close to, but under, 5,500 at a tad over 40 mph. I didn't get a chance to run alone, but I usually got a tad over 50 and the RPMs would go close or over 5,500.<br />What props (manufacturers and styles) would be a good replacement to improve my hole-shot and maintain top-end perfomance too. I use this fish/ski model to runabout at speed a good bit.<br /><br />Second Question...I've noticed the parts on the Johnson 115 and 140 seem to be interchangable. The cubic inches are the same as are the lower units. The RPMs seem to be higher for the 140. What are the differences between the two, and can I transform this somewhat low hour 115 to a 140 to improve performance?<br /><br />Thanks for any advice,<br /><br />Brent

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

Do you have a jackplate?

 

[BRWGL1800]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

No, I don't have a jackplate. I may be able to measure where the cav plate meets the hull line later today. I didn't really want to install one. Can I get the best setup for what I have. How much performance would a jackplate add by moving the motor back 4 inches or so and up to max height? Is there an affordable basic manual model that is light and strong?<br />This boat when on plane rides and handles well, but the motor can't be trimmmed up to optimum like it used to be able to do before the prop was worked last time.<br />There are tooling marks on the prop, 5503 and 4926. The model number is 389510 which is an OMC match for the SSTII.<br />What do you think of the Raker (3Blade) and Renegade BB (4 blade) models?<br /><br />I know there is more in this boat with just the right prop and set up.<br /><br />This is a boat we've had for 21 years, and I'm limited in the amount of money I can drop in it, that is why I was thinking of getting the best prop for the existing setup and go from there. <br /><br />The current prop has the finish wearing off on the backside of the blades starting at the leading edge and back about half way. There are marks in the surface like it was groud or wire brushed. How do I know if this is erosion from cavitation or just the black finish wearing off the SS?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Brent

 

[BRWGL1800]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

Just checked where the cav plate is in relation to the bottom of the hull.<br />It sits a tad over 1 1/2 inches above the bottom of the hull. There seems to be another 2 inches in 1/2 inch incriments that the motor can be raised on the transom.<br />There is a step up in the hull from the planing surface below the transom that is about 7-8 inches long and 4-5 inches deep setting the lower unit about 16 inches or so back from the planing pad on the hull near level trim.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

I would suggest another 19" SSTII or a Stiletto 19". Once you get your bite back (excellent discription -- thats exactly what you lost) you can play with the set up to gain a few rpm. <br /><br />I would suggest the prop first, then move the motor up a notch. And a decarb job if you havent done that in a while. You'll get some good help here but if I can help, feel free to e-mail me at dhadley50@aol.com anytime.<br /><br />Neat rig! Good luck!

 

[BRWGL1800]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

Thanks, I was wondering why you recomend a basic SST over the higher rake Raker or the 4 blade Renegade? Is my motor too low? <br />I don't usualy carry the really heavy load that I did the other day.<br />What x factor should I be going for in the future?<br /><br />Thanks a lot,<br /><br />Brent

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

The Renegade starts at 20" pitch....maybe OK.<br /> I own a Raker 18", and is a bow lifter insted of a stearn lifter like the SST. I'm not sure what you would get into there. I do like the Raker because of the vent holes in the hub...I can get good top-end and still have a good hole-shot. I also believe in Dhadleys "X" dimension-(height above transom). Some people think it's wrong to mount the eng. higher, but those are the ones that haven't tried it.<br /> The more I think, the more I would recommend the RAKER 18". It's a hard biting prop at extreme trim angles.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

The Raker is a good choice if you have room to increase the X dimension far enough. If you are planning on a jackplate then I would start there (Raker) or consider a Turbo. <br /><br />You mentioned that you did not want to install a jackplate. Now is the time to define your requirements. Without a jackplate there isnt much need to spend extra money for technology you cant take advantage of. The Stiletto will bite harder than a new SSTII and have as much, possibly slightly more, lift than a Raker. <br /><br />If you do decide on a jackplate, then I would certianly at least look into a good 4 blade prop. We have had great success with the Stiletto and Turbo 4 blade props as well as their 3 blade props.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Duck Loads]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

I've been reading the comparisons of the raker vs. SST props, so I'll chime in here for what it's worth. I have a 375V with gt150 and 5-1/2" cmc jackplate. I settled on two props depending on how I use the boat. <br /><br />My 24" raker is a great get up and go (fishing / cruising) prop that turns 5400 rpm at 60 mph with c/l of gearcase 3-1/2" below pad. It really sucks at trying to pull a tube or skier. If I just think about making a turn while pulling it will blow out. <br /><br />My second prop is a 23" SST that turns 5600 rpm at 52 mph set at 4-1/2" below pad. It is a great family fun prop that keeps the boat planed off at speeds lower than the raker. I have found that they are two totally different props depending on what I want to do.<br /><br />Be safe,<br />Duck L.

 

[BRWGL1800]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

Thanks for the insight gentlemen, I will have to consider everything.<br /><br />Now how much do those manual jack plates cost? mmmmm.... <br />I plan on keeping this boat for a long time so maybe a little more invest wouldn't hurt.<br /><br />She isn't the prettiest, but she is plenty functional. A little spit and polish is all that is needed. New carpet too....<br /><br />What am I to gain realisticaly by adding a jack plate? Sell me here if you can. Why cant I just raise the motor up on the transom bolts up to 2". I'm already 1 1/2" above the hull on the antiventilation plate.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Brent

 

[Duck Loads]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

I gained an honest 5 mph and 600 rpm when I put the 5-1/2" CMC on my '89 375v / GT150. It was a tough sell for me and kind of hurt the wallet at the time but no regrets. It's real nice being able to change the setup depending on what you want to do.<br /><br />Be safe,<br />Duck L.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Couple of Q's regarding a 115 on a Ranger BB.

You could go with a manual plate for $ sake. I like the Bobs because it is convertiable from a 3" to 6" set back. Check out Bobs Machine on the net. Cool stuff.<br /><br />A hydraulic one will get you spoiled real quick!