Question for the guru's

[blh1972]

I have a 1993 Fountain sportfish with twin 2.5/200hp mercury's. it has 21 pitch 3 blade laser prop's and tops out at 50 mph at 6000 rpm. My question is this seems kinda slow to me? The fountain website says the boat should run 65 with 225's? compression on the motor's is 125psi across the board. should I be running different props? or looking at upgrading to bigger engines?
thanks, Brian

 

[junior1113]

Re: Question for the guru's

another 50 hp will increase that speed by 5 mph easy. although with today prop technology i would'nt be surprised you pick up 2-3mph.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Question for the guru's

27 footer with 400 hp on a Fountain? Man all the other ones have triple 200's around here. Did you talk to Reggie about this?

Seriously ----

6k seems to be right at the top of the recommended RPMs. Sounds like you could benefit from a bit more prop.

I'm NO Guru sot I'll be watching to see what they suggest.

 

[blh1972]

Re: Question for the guru's

another 50 hp will increase that speed by 5 mph easy. although with today prop technology i would'nt be surprised you pick up 2-3mph.

That's what has me confused even with another 50 hp I'm still down 10mph according to what the boat is capable of. I have heard that these laser props are not the best, so I'm wondering if I should try something different?

 

[blh1972]

Re: Question for the guru's

27 footer with 400 hp on a Fountain? Man all the other ones have triple 200's around here. Did you talk to Reggie about this?

Seriously ----

6k seems to be right at the top of the recommended RPMs. Sounds like you could benefit from a bit more prop.

I'm NO Guru sot I'll be watching to see what they suggest.

Reggie doesn't offer triples until you get to 32 ft. I doesn't have room at the transom.....wish it did!!
I'm thinking about trying a little more prop maybe a 23 pitch 3 blade, or a 22 pitch 4 blade I'm not getting much bow lift with the current setup.

 

[blh1972]

Re: Question for the guru's

Any prop suggestions?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Question for the guru's

I think you'll find the speeds Reggie claims are a bit optimistic. They may have gotten that speed once with a light lay up. And remember, not all 225 hp motors are created equal.

I do think you have room to improve though. As you mentioned you'll not get much lift with those props. That hull will respond to props with more technology so you're good there.

Also look at your current set up. Make sure the toe in is set correctly. Assuming the counter gearcase is on the port side you might try putting it on the starboard motor. On some hulls that's good for 1-2 mph.

 

[blh1972]

Re: Question for the guru's

What should the toe-in be set at? I have heard 1/8 inch.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Question for the guru's

We usually look for 1/16" to 3/16 so you're right on at 1/8".

 

[blh1972]

Re: Question for the guru's

I switched to mirage props, and picked up three mph!!
I also just purchased a pair of 225's to replace the 200's. They are both right hand motors so if anyone has a 3.0 liter LH lower unit they want to trade for a RH let me know.
Thanks,
Brian