I ran a 14" dia. Hustler on my 90 Merc for a short period just for grins. I don't remember where I obtained it, not the pitch. Obviously I didn't like it as it didn't stay on but a few minutes and back to the dock to put on something else. Had 1/4" clearance under the AV plate. Had the short trim tab and the pitch wasn't all that much so I cleared that.
I assume that you mean 16" props are probably available in 16P?????
I assume Salty dog had shopped around found a 13x16 and that was why he mentioned it. Thinking about how props increase in diameter as you reduce the pitch, I would think that a 16 if it existed, would be more like 13 3/4" diameter.
Merry Christmas
Merry Xmas to you too.
You know, and maybe I know…but not exclusively and for sure…you’re dead right in the thinking that I also have…
As prop pitch increases…traditional thinking might suggest that diameter reduces a little.
So I was just surprised to read of a 13.anything by 16” pitch, in terms of the 4.3/4” gear case. I’m used to like a 14x19” then a 13.75x21” maybe. 13 something less again x23”.
Anyway, generally an odd size of pitch might be the norm for that size of gearcase.
But I’m also aware that there are many odd and even and anything in between sizes these days. An enertia 20” prop I have now plays testament to that.
Perhaps I was just warning of the mistake many can make, around thinking the CT 75-115 of around 2015 to current day, can be compared in size to the previous Bigfoot size 60-100/115 or previous years. They didn’t adhere to the current rule and sizing requirements.
Certainly with my 115ct and as far as I know, the 75-115ct…they follow the requirements and sizing that the 150+ gearcase has…the very same even, that the mercruiser alpha one and bravo one has too.
Additionally, and at the risk of boring an audience, in my opinion and many others, the CT is and has proven, the best way to go.
Despite the original recommendation around the CT being exclusively for heavy boats, I absolutely think this may not be totally accurate, for the most part.
Should you be lucky enough to have the CT gearbox, it means that you can have the option of running a much larger and wider range of props. A range that far outweighs the thinking or idea that a smaller and standard gearcase, with any ideas of less drag (but along with a much less developed or standard of props available) meaning a better performance outcome, might boast.
The only circumstance that a non CT engine might be a better option in any way…I can only imagine, might be a very specialised bass boat with a 115 pro xs…airborne and aired out, with somehow, a prop that’s available off the shelf that allowed such a thing.
But 99 times out of 100…the CT and its propeller range available…has got to be a better option.
Finally…and to back up the thinking above.
I’ll leave you with the performance figures and data from my own 115CT powered boat. And please bear in mind that I’m not a 4 stroke fan or anything close, historically.
19.5ft fletcher 19gto cuddy cabin
1000kgs dry
Full camper hood, fuel and family onboard
19” tempest plus 3 blade, 43mph gps @6000-6100 rpm
20” enertia 3 blade, 45/46mph gps @5950-6000 rpm.
The above are easily and all day, any day achieved figures.
Despite not being anything ridiculous or equivalent to the other two fast boats I have or most any usual boat over where you guys are…it should surely be considered impressive, given what she is. 19-20ft cuddy, camper hood and plenty onboard…only a badged 115hp…and a sure thing 43-46mph gps !! Not bad, I think.
There is a 3.0 mercruiser inboard version of this boat, more common. They will never see a genuine 40mph gps. Well set up examples will do well to see 36-38mph with their 140hp, running light and no camper up.
There is a 4.3 carb too. They can boogie to be fair, seeing mid to late 40’s gps with 190-220hp.
But again…back to the 115 CT on mine. Achieving almost what the 4.3 can…fair play to her eh ?
Finally…there is a version of this boat that was rated to and fitted with, the 135hp mercury black max v6 2 stroke. Legend of an engine for sure….
Hate to say it (being a 2 stroke man to the bone), but this identical boat I have with a 115CT merc 4 stroke…will absolutely keep inch for inch pace alongside. She had even seen off an identical hull’d open 19ft version (bowrider) with a 125hp 2+2 merc. Wasn’t even close.
Enough from me. But you get the point.
Wee video hopefully attached, showing fairly accurate speed, fed from nmea gps and her coming on and off the limiter at 6100, then down to 5900…building back to limiter and so forth. Pretty sure she sees around 45/46 gps here.
