85 373v ranger with 150 xr 2 black max

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Hi I'm interested in getting more take off out of my boat, it has a merc laser stainless steel 23 pitch, can I go to a 21 or 19 pitch? Thanks.its also got a spare 22 pitch prop also.

 

[Bondo]

Hi I'm interested in getting more take off out of my boat, it has a merc laser stainless steel 23 pitch, can I go to a 21 or 19 pitch? Thanks.its also got a spare 22 pitch prop also.

Ayuh,.... With the minimal info provided, try a 21", droppin' to a 19" might be too much,....

 

[Scott06]

Hi I'm interested in getting more take off out of my boat, it has a merc laser stainless steel 23 pitch, can I go to a 21 or 19 pitch? Thanks.its also got a spare 22 pitch prop also.

Depends on where your current WOT rpm is compared to max WOT range for engine. As stated above 19" pitch if similar style prop would probably increase WOT rpm about 800 rpm. that may put you over.

Generally when propping such that you can hit the upper end of rpm range or a tad over will give a nice responsive boat. Can also try a 4 blade if you dont mind loosing some top end.

 

[Texasmark]

Is your 23 ported? If you want more hole shot and like your top end, have a prop shop port your prop. I had a laser original on a bass boat that was ported. Hammering down in the hole due to the porting taking the load off the blades, the engine got up in RPMs really fast giving me a good hole shot. I didn't even tuck it in, had the engine vertical for the shot.

Once on plane, as I was trimming out, and at around 30 MPH the slip stream across the blades had enough pressure to seal off the holes, forcing all the exhaust out the end of the barrel and it was like an old stick shift with overdrive.....engine immediately dropped in RPMs, boat lurched forward, and the boat took off....obviously RPMs coming on up with the increase in speed.

That's why, after learning of ported props, I always ran one....you get the best of both worlds.