Just an update for anyone else who has questions for the mercruiser 3.0 and a 17-18ft boat... I ended up getting a used 19p Laser II and reduced pressure on the smart tabs by one hole and wow the boat flies now. With just my buddy and me we were hitting over 44mph on GPS at about 4900rpm. Only thing is the boat didn't plane as quickly as with the 4-blade and higher pressure on the smart tabs but I guess that's the tradeoff
Bingo. Thought I’d be close or bang on the mark. That’s how it should go, all being perfect. Just watch those rpm at the top. Your a touch over the rating. I’ve tried loads of props on the same and similar boats with the 3.0. Always a 19” or 21” prop suits them well. And in particular, the laser.
your totally spot on as you are now. They don’t get any quicker than that. Did you plug true vent or pvs holes.
