Need some wisdom! Chopper ll on a stock 2011 Merc 4 stroke 60 hp?

[Fjord Cruiser]

Assuming that all is perfect...(!) , among other things:
with the boat's ability to handle the speed (15.7 foot, 600 lb boat), mounting Bob's smallest jack plate (4 1/2" offset), please describe to me how my boat will handle differently using an over the hub Chopper ll compared to through the hub racing props. Can a stock 2011 60 hp lower unit be combined with a jack plate? Can I raise this engine high enough to enjoy some of the benefits of using a prop like this? Does a Chopper ll prop have to surface?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Need some wisdom! Chopper ll on a stock 2011 Merc 4 stroke 60 hp?

I would think that in your application, an over the hub exhaust prop would need to be at the surface or the exhaust exiting from the lower unit will foul and cavitate the blades. Thus, you will also need a low water pick-up. Lots of work for a non-racing application.

Wouild not the 4.5 inch offset on the jackplate negate some of the advantages of the two rear hull projections?

 

[Fjord Cruiser]

Re: Need some wisdom! Chopper ll on a stock 2011 Merc 4 stroke 60 hp?

I suspected as much. I was hoping to not have to invest in a new nose cone, but as you say, I agree that the costs would start taking off for a non race application. I will have different props: one for skiing and one for speed. What would you recommend? What's the fastest through-the-hub prop available for this engine? Should i mount the motor so that the cavitation plate is in line with the bottom of the hull, or are there any advantages in mounting it higher?

I'm not sure how an offset would affect the handling of this particular boat. If in the future I do mount a jack plate, are there jack plates with less offset for this size engine? I only mentioned 4.5 offset because it looked like it's the only one Bob's have for a 60.