can I get any more?

[frenchlick95]

Hello I'm running 1997 286 pro dc 18' sprint bass boat. It has a 1992 150 fast strike. It has a 24 raker prop. I have been tring to set my jack plate. On the second to last run I have done the rpm's went to 6200 my speed was at 55-60. I brought the boat in and rised my jackplate 1/2" Ran again. Rpm's around 5600 speed 60-65 but my water pressure is starting to drop from around 30psi to around 20 before I back off. I found out my redline is between 5800 to 6200 does anyone know if this is true?? Also can I push it anymore?? I don't want BLOW OUT!!!! Should I try a nose cone with low water pickup?? Thanks for any help.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: can I get any more?

On a conventional gearcase you don't have to worry about blowout til the 70s. I'll bet the fast strike is already comfortable there. I don't think a cone would help regarding performance. But it would allow higher jackplate settings. If you go that route I'd highly recommend a Merc High Five prop. Generally, 3-blades need to be fully submerged, 4-blades can pierce the surface. I've seen High Fives run with the waterline about even with the top of the hub. All blades above the hub out of the water. That would reduce your drag even more and upper 60s to 70ish wouldn't suprise me with a 25p.<br /><br />Those seem to like 6000 to 6200 for max output, but I prefer 5800 to 6000 for durability. It's wound pretty tight at 6200.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: can I get any more?

Are you sure you raised the plate and LOST rpm?<br /><br />The 24 Raker is the best Raker in the line. Now, when the water pressure dropped did it go into SLOW?

 

[frenchlick95]

Re: can I get any more?

I gained in speed for the rpm I was turning.<br />I was running a 4 blade 27 shooter prop. I had trouble getting out of the hole and my top speed was only around 52mph or so. Would going to a 5 blade prop reduce my low end or give me too many rpm's at top speed? Also what does SLOW mean?? Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: can I get any more?

SLOW is the feature that slows down your motor in case of oil or overheat problems.<br /><br />The 5-blade has 5 small blades, but the total surface area would be comparable to a 3-blade. They work well for underpowered boats for some reason, but they also work well as performance props because you can jack the motor up pretty high compared to more conventional props with fewer blades. You could also go to Chopper of Cleaver designs, but I wouldn't count on the stock propshaft being able to tolerate either of those. Anytime you jack a motor up that high, ventilation is always a possibility, so you have to watch the tach closely. Hole shot should be okay, but you may have to accelerate in steps ... get it up on plane, set the trim angle, then accelerate to speed. The prop is ventilated for improved holeshot and plugs of various diameters are available for fine-tuning.