Working with a Bass fisherman on 96 Nitro Savage 18', boat came with a 25" pitch Tempest prop, has since gone to a 25" Trophy 4 blade. Running water line is just above the prop hub dia. Tournament load launches (about 300 extra pounds livewell etc) are difficult with the prop blowing out. Light / med loaded engine pulled 5200 rpm, dont have a loaded figure yet. Thinking about 23" Tempest but dont want to make a hole in the block, boat works in large lakes on occasion and will run several miles at wot. What are opinions on max sustained rpm for this stock merc?
