WOT Range for 1979 Mercury 80 HP

[cyber]

Recently rebuilt my 80 HP Merc w/ complete 'kit', runs like new!!

Question I have is what is WOT range for this motor??
Can't seem to find it online anywhere! Closest I could find
was for a 1979 115 HP and it was 4800 to 5300, would 80 HP be
the same??

Playing around w/ props to get best performance. Guy who rebuilt
it said 5300 to 5800 and recommended 5600 as optimum, but I can't
seem to reach that?!?
Using a 13/21 I max out at 5200 and seems to run good, tried a 13/19
and got up to 5400 but had to fight wheel, next gonna try a 13/17 which
should bring the RPM's up a bit more again, but will it try to rip the wheel
outta my hand even worse??

Just curious as to actual "Optimum WOT Range" for this engine, and should
I stick w/ the 13/21 and WOT of 5200 and boat handles pretty nicely.
BTW, It's on a 1984 Thundercraft 14' Runabout, spec weight was 625 lbs.,
should still be close to that.

 

[carholme]

Re: WOT Range for 1979 Mercury 80 HP

http://web.ebscohost.com/serrc/pdf?...9338-3d4653d01d83@sessionmgr113&vid=4&hid=106

4800-5500 and once you are settled at the rpm/prop you want, you can unload the steering effort using the trim tab, if you haven't already.

Gerry

 

[cyber]

Re: WOT Range for 1979 Mercury 80 HP

Thanx Gerry

Now that I've learned top WOT is 5500 and NOT 5800 as I was told,
I feel better about topping out at 5200, and she bounces just over
41 MPH on my new Lowrance HDS-5 w/ built in GPS.
I'm quite happy with that performance, and I'm assuming running at
5200 won't have any 'ill effects' on the motor, am I safe in that regard??

Thanx again for your input! Bill.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: WOT Range for 1979 Mercury 80 HP

No it wont.5200 is fine,looks like youve hit your sweet spot.

 

[cyber]

Re: WOT Range for 1979 Mercury 80 HP

Thanx!! I'm happy with busting the 40 MPH ceiling.

 

[BP1969]

What elevation are you running at?