Mercury 125 Prop Pitch

[cford28]

Boat; 2000 Pro Craft Pro 175 Bass Boat (17'2" / 84" beam)

Engine; 2000 Mercury 125 (2+2)

Prop; Laser II 26 Pitch SS

Top Speed; 51 GPS With One Person / Gear

Hull / Engine Weight; 1649 lbs without persons / gear

I have suspicions that this is too much prop for the boat / engine. The boat lags out of the hole and sometimes chokes the engine out when dropped into gear from idle (hotfoot installed). I have a difficult time reving 5000 RPM's unless trimmed way out and WOT RPM for this engine is 5250. I have been told that dropping to a 24 P prop will be a better all around prop choice for this boat. Also, I would like to stay with SS / Laser II unless anyone has knowledge of a better prop for smaller fiberglass bass boats.

Thanks for the comments............can't wait til' spring

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Mercury 125 Prop Pitch

Have you tried raising the motor? That may bring the top rpm up. If you can use 100% of the trim range without venting, that's normally a sign the motor can go up some.

Shutting off going into gear doesn't usually have much to do with the prop, that's more of a motor function.

The Laser II is a pretty good prop but there are props out there with more lift. What's the diameter, 13 1/2?

 

[cford28]

Re: Mercury 125 Prop Pitch

I am not sure what the diameter is...it is a small hub 15 spline if that helps.

The engine is set on the second hole, from top.

I was told that the engine stopping when dropped into gear was "possibly" from the prop turning too much water for the engine (especially since it's the 2+2 combo)

Other than that, I just trying to seek opinions before dropping 3-4 hundred on a prop that will do nothing for me.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Mercury 125 Prop Pitch

Have you tried it any higher than that? If not, I'd go up one and test again.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Mercury 125 Prop Pitch

Motor height could add some rpm and as much as 1 or 2 mph. and doesn't cost anything.Not an expert but 26 does sound like a lot of prop to me.
Dropping to a 24 same brand same model should add about 400 rpm
And a chunk of hole shot.I would raise the motor first then consider a prop change.