Small hub Merc Laser II?

[QC]

What's this small hub stuff? Some sort of OB only type barrel? I have one: 48-16994-24 and was thinking of running on my Bravo, but I hear it will suck. Now I wonder if it would fit at all. Boat's not here . . . ??? Has a solid style hub and cast in castle nut i.e. no Flow Torq.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

Sorry, QC i know that is disheartening.


H

 

[QC]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

Nothing to be sorry about, I buy and sell props sometimes anyway. But something the guy I bought it from said about "small hub" has me wondering. Is there some inherent difference between this hub and an Alpha/Bravo? Initially I understood it would run on high HP Merc/Mariner OBs and both the I/Os. Now I am beginning to wonder.

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

I know all the even numbered Laser II's are the small hub. I'm pretty sure it will go on a Alpha or Bravo but I don't know how it will react. It looks like the barrel flares at both ends? I know the diameter is only 13.5" compared to the 13.75" of an odd numbered Laser II. It may cause some goofy slip or cavitation going on. I think someone(tailgunner?) tried one(a 22p) at one point and it didn't work out too well. Do a search on it. It was brought p a couple of weeks ago.

 

[QC]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

Yeah, have this kinda figured out now . . . Alphas, Bravos and later OBs have a 4.5" "Barrel" and this one is 4". I am still not clear on the applications, and reading TG's thread I think was what told me it would suck on my boat. No problem. Will sell it and hopefully make a buck.

Thanks.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

Could that be the XR4.


H

 

[bekosh]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

I tried a 23p Laser II large hub on my Bravo a few weeks ago and wasn't happy.
Poor hole shot and weak top end.
4600rpms/54mph 2 adults & full gas.
I put it down to not enough blade area for the BBC to efficiently put power to water.

My best results are still with a 21p Mirage Plus.
4800rpms/57 mph 2 adults & full gas.

 

[QC]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

I am in a similar neighborhood bekosh, but I can pull a 22P Merc Bravo four blade over 5100 and 57 MPH empty (6.2 WOT range 4800 - 5200). This one is definitely small hub. I'm not going to even try it. Too much of a hassle when everything says my boat is a little too big at 23 ft. There's alwasy too many kids and people that want to go somewhere etc. Never time for me to play when we are on the water anymore . . .

I don't understand the hole shot issues with the vents though

 

[bekosh]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

I don't understand the hole shot issues with the vents though

Ran it with the vents plugged. I might go back and try it again with the plugs out but I was looking for more top speed and I don't think the vents would make a difference there.

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

On a big block and Bravo setup I think the Mirage would be best for top end. I'm surprised the Laser didn't slip and give more rpms. It may have had good grip but not enough lift to pull the bow out of the water to give the speed benefits. On my boat (18ft hull)this past weekend I ran my 23p Laser II to 4800rpms and it held the bow great. I'm not sure on speed cause I didn't have my GPS with me. I did out run my buddies Checkmate 242(454 Mag/bravo w/my labbed Mirage+ 23p) til I had to slow down for a sharp turn and rough water. His boat runs 63-64 on gps. I got him real good on holeshot and held him back for about 2 miles. The laser had a great hole shot for me but my boat is shorter and probably a good bit lighter than your guys. My labbed solid hub Mirage plus 23 was too much for my boat. I've always had a great hole shot but even with the Mirage + but it wanted to lift the whole boat out of the water and I could only get ~4400rpm out of it. I loved the cruise of the Mirage though ~4000rpm I could cruise at 52-53mph.
3500 was 47-48mph.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Small hub Merc Laser II?

The laser is a nice prop but as WH has said it's best on light bass boat's etc...The smaller hub just creates to much of disturbance in the water path..slip's like a skate all the way up to the top...Sure does sound good though..make's one feel like your about to hook up and ride hard..