Which Mirage Plus

[hammy44]

I have a 1998 Mariah 211 Talari Cuddy with a 250hp 5.7LX V8 running with a Black Max 19 pitch prop and achieving 48mph at WOT fully trimmed out. I have tried an Alpha 4 18 and 20 pitch, also a Hive Five 19 and 21 pitch but none improved performance. Thinking of trying either a 18 or 19 pitch Mirage Plus but like other opinions before buying another prop which I might have to off load again. Looking for improved acceleration and top end. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

The High-Fives are okay on I/Os, but do better on outboards mounted high. You can't do that with a sterndrive very easy. The Mirage should do well. Ski clubs like their large blade area and stern lift, and they perform well regarding speed.

 

[hammy44]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

What's your opinion regarding pitch. With the mirage having a larger blade area should I replace a 19 with a 19 or drop to an18 pitch.

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

Another good choice would be the Merc Enertia.

See the Mercury Marine web site for more info.

The Mirage was designed with engines of higher horsepower in mind and also usually used on the Bravo drive - but still it might be worth a try.

Bob

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

We need to know the top engine RPMs you're getting with your current prop to say for sure. You want to prop it close to the top of the RPM limit. 5200? It should be on the motor somewhere. The 18 would have the better holeshot and the 19 should get more speed.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

Take a very close look at Stilleto Bay Pro 11 series, they provide a tremendous amount of over all lift, If the boat has a good weight balance and a fairly sharp dead rise (deep v 18-20) they will lift you high enough to gain speed, they also provide a bit of midrange punch or tourqe which is pleaseant. But you need to post your rpm range along with speed to select a proper pitch.

 

[hammy44]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

Taking all opinions into consideration but have been investigating the Merc Enertia.
Present RPM at WOT is 4900 which I am led to believe is 100 over operating range of 4400 to 4800 for the engine.
Will a 19 stainless prop increase or decrease RPM when compared to a 19 aluminium prop.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

From most of Walleyhed's post's id say your running your motor at it's prime rpm that is right at the top edge, (fuel quality thing) As to the ss question most would say go to a 17 pitch and you should be right on.

The whole claim to fame for the enertia is you should be able to run a 19 ss @ the same rpm your turning now on the alum and get quite a improvement in mph over the alum prop. That is how i understand it so far, When i can get my hand's on a affordable 23p im going to take a run at one of them.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Mirage Plus

You'll generally lose 100 +/- RPM going to SS in the same pitch...occasionally we find an SS that has much better lift and the RPM stays the same, sometimes maybe even gain a tad, but considering the prop you have now, and being at the top of the range, I'm going to say a 19P, possibly even a 20P in the Enertia will kick butt..perfect for that style of rig.
Another prop I have some good data on is the MWC apollo in the 3-bld Large diameter series. The Prop I tested in 19P was 15-1/4" I believe....lots of push. If you'll look at the very first pinned post at the top of the prop forum, you'll see the results of the 2 props.