I'm having problems with my new boat to get in the desired rpm range of 5800-5900.
The boat is a 2014 Lowe ST195
18ft 8in
1060 lb
The motor is a 2014 Mercury 115 4 Stroke
When I bought the boat from the dealer he said they normally run a 21 pitch prop. I asked if he could credit me $300 to run my own 22 pitch. I had found this link online where they tested the same boat with a Mercury 115 2 Stroke and 22 pitch prop (https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/performance-tests/bhb/780/?units=imperial)
So I put the prop on and tested it out (13-1/2 X 22 Stainless Mercury Prop). Results: It took FOREVER to plane out. The top speed was 32 mph at 4900 rpm.
The engine did not seem to have much power. It would rev significantly when trimmed up to vertical, but still not propel the boat how I wanted it to.
So I called the dealer and they recommended a 19 pitch prop. So I bought this one (13X19 RH SS):
http://www.go2marine.com/product/19...ainless-steel-new-saturn-boat-propellers.html
I tested it yesterday. The boat plane was acceptable, but still slow. The top speed was 36 mph at 5200 rpm with just myself and 10 gallons of fuel. I trimmed the motor as high as it would go which was only slightly past vertical.
Do you think my problem is the engine, operator, or prop? I'm going to call the dealer back and see what they recommend but I thought some of you may have more knowledge. Thanks,
The boat is a 2014 Lowe ST195
18ft 8in
1060 lb
The motor is a 2014 Mercury 115 4 Stroke
When I bought the boat from the dealer he said they normally run a 21 pitch prop. I asked if he could credit me $300 to run my own 22 pitch. I had found this link online where they tested the same boat with a Mercury 115 2 Stroke and 22 pitch prop (https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/performance-tests/bhb/780/?units=imperial)
So I put the prop on and tested it out (13-1/2 X 22 Stainless Mercury Prop). Results: It took FOREVER to plane out. The top speed was 32 mph at 4900 rpm.
The engine did not seem to have much power. It would rev significantly when trimmed up to vertical, but still not propel the boat how I wanted it to.
So I called the dealer and they recommended a 19 pitch prop. So I bought this one (13X19 RH SS):
http://www.go2marine.com/product/19...ainless-steel-new-saturn-boat-propellers.html
I tested it yesterday. The boat plane was acceptable, but still slow. The top speed was 36 mph at 5200 rpm with just myself and 10 gallons of fuel. I trimmed the motor as high as it would go which was only slightly past vertical.
Do you think my problem is the engine, operator, or prop? I'm going to call the dealer back and see what they recommend but I thought some of you may have more knowledge. Thanks,