Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

[btdiguis]

I just purchased a 2009Tracker Pro V deep hull 16 boat with Mercury 40HP EFI 4 stroke outboard as a private sale. Took boat out this weekend and was slightly surprised to get top speed of only 22mph @ 5800rpm with 2 adults on board. I didn't purchase boat for speed but I was expecting more top speed than 22mph. Called dealer and Mercury and no one can even give me gues as to what top speed I should actually get. Anyone have any exerience?

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Seems like a small motor for a 16 foot deep V. What size prop does it have?

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

I bet that's about right.

Knew someone who had a 16 foot with a 50 on it and it only went around 26-27mph.

Your boat should really have something like a 75 on it.

Good luck.

 

[Timestep]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Sounds about right to me.

Dave

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Just to give you an idea. I have a Lowe FM165. Similiar hull. 16', 5".
I got a Merc 60 4-stroke on mine and I get 31.x MPH with 2 people and full gear @ near sea level.

On smooth glass water, I can get 34MPH.

 

[CRFan1]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Just to give you an idea. I have a Lowe FM165. Similiar hull. 16', 5".
I got a Merc 60 4-stroke on mine and I get 31.x MPH with 2 people and full gear @ near sea level.

On smooth glass water, I can get 34MPH.

Ditto...I have a 16.5' Alumacraft Classic with a 60 hp merc 4 stroke EFI and I get 31.x with two people and 29.Xx with three people and all the gear.

That 40 is no where near enough motor for that boat and Tracker is notorious for underpowering. I may even upgrade mine to a 75 at some point.

Your speed is about right unfortunately.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Well the guy never posted back with his prop size. I was thinking the thing had a dinky prop on it like a 9 pitch. That would explain the lack of speed. If the motor could handle a 13 pitch then he might be able to get it over 30 mph.

 

[btdiguis]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Seems like a small motor for a 16 foot deep V. What size prop does it have?

11 1/4 diameter with a pitch of 10

 

[btdiguis]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Well the guy never posted back with his prop size. I was thinking the thing had a dinky prop on it like a 9 pitch. That would explain the lack of speed. If the motor could handle a 13 pitch then he might be able to get it over 30 mph.

Hey Dave....thanks for the feedback......current prop is 11 1/4 diameter with a 10 pitch.......not sure if boat/motor can handle a 13? How would I be able to find that out? Not sure I really want to spend any more $$$$ right now but as I start to fish more and get tired of 22mph I may upgrade.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

That's 20% prop slip. That seems way excessive to me but maybe that's what happens when a boat is severely underpowered with a small diameter prop. How about trying a 12 pitch with some more diameter too if it can fit.

Only way to know if the motor can handle the prop without losing too much RPMs is to find someone who has the same setup or try it. Maybe borrow a prop from your dealer?

 

[CRFan1]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

That's 20% prop slip. That seems way excessive to me but maybe that's what happens when a boat is severely underpowered with a small diameter prop. How about trying a 12 pitch with some more diameter too if it can fit.

Only way to know if the motor can handle the prop without losing too much RPMs is to find someone who has the same setup or try it. Maybe borrow a prop from your dealer?

A 13" pitch prop would be a no go on that rig.....my SS 13" pitch only pulls 5400 ..sometimes 5500 on my 60, with three guys in my boat (which is similar to his). Based on his RPM, his prop is pretty dang close I think. I would start saving for a motor ugrade

 

[btdiguis]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Thanks again guys for the help and thanks to this website for the open forum!
In hindsight, I wouldn't buy this boat with the 40hp.......but it is what it is and I'm fishin and not standing on the lake's shore anymore.

 

[CRFan1]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

Thanks again guys for the help and thanks to this website for the open forum!
In hindsight, I wouldn't buy this boat with the 40hp.......but it is what it is and I'm fishin and not standing on the lake's shore anymore.

Absolutely! Have fun!

 

[awsome66nova]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

This is kind of late for you but may help others! PROPWIZZARD.com, enter the information on motor, boat style and boat make it will tell you what the best prop for your boat is. If you are using it for water sports it will also tell you what prop to use for that.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

What is the boat rated for?

 

[Vanover]

Re: Mercury 40HP 4 stroke EFI top speed

I have a 2009 tracker 1754 grizzly and the same motor. Mine does 31 flat out with 2 people and our duck gear. I think your boat is heavier than mine though. Hope this helps.