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New to pontoon world!

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 8:01 am
by Gogo
Hello
I'm new to the pontoon world, had a 2000 Chaparral 240SSI with a 350 Bravo3. Sold it and bought a new 2016 Starcraft SLS3 with a Merc 4stroke 150. I have some questions regarding performance of I may:

Prop is a Spitfire CT 14x14" 4 blade (8M0084493 stamped on prop)
WOT per Merc says 5000-5800 rpm. I am hitting 5600 rpm (36 mph per speedo) on a straight run.

When taking a turn any faster than 25mph half trimmed up I experience a blow out ( not used to this coming from my other boat, I am not trying to turn on a dime) is this normal? Is this Something I just have to get a feel for as I am driving?

Also seems like I am guzzling gas.

Any suggestions to get better fuel consumption and performance? What will I have to give up?

Thanks in advance

GOGO

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 8:53 am
by ron nh
I'm not surprised by the #s, Aren't those 25' boats? The blowing out my be engine height, since you have a 4 blade I wouldn't think you blow out to easy. you might get more rpm's and a little speed with a different prop but probably very little.

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:06 pm
by Bamaman
Setting up pontoons is an inexact science, and an experienced dealer is often a wealth of knowledge on engine height and propellers.

We seldom see 4 blade props, and the standard of the industry for Mercury engines is an Enertia stainless steel propeller. A 14 pitch or 15 pitch prop would be the pitches to look for.

As far as you're getting ventilation: Have you used the power trim to drop your engine down to less than halfway? You might need to experiment with the engine height.

My 24' Bennington has the Yamaha F150 setup about 3/4 inch above the transom, and I'm running a 15 pitch Yamaha Reliance propeller. I had it out running 40 mph GPS Sunday afternoon @ 6000 rpm's. Carrying just a couple of people, I leave my trim at 3/4 on my gauge. I get a slight ventilation when accelerating hard--just like I like. When I'm running 4000 rpm's or more, the nosecones are out of the water and my propeller slip is extremely low. And it corners well in tight turns if I drop down the trim on the engine.

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 1:16 am
by JerEazy
Bamaman wrote: As far as you're getting ventilation: Have you used the power trim to drop your engine down to less than halfway? You might need to experiment with the engine height.
He's got it righ here - coming from a Wellcraft 24 with an I/O I was so used to trimming to level out and get on plane - but our pontoons don't get on plane. Trim down a bit and hit those turns again.

I found that trimming one "notch" on the gauge above lowest trim actually got me the best speed and handling. With engine, fuel tank, batteries, gear and my 6'3" 200lb ass in the rear of the boat. And, the 100lb wife and 35lb daughter in the front, we're a little stern heavy. So keeping the trim down lifts the stern up and gets the speed up. Few clicks above that and the stern starts to sink, speed drops off, and if I trim up too high I'll get splashing over the floor.

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 8:08 am
by zoom650
If its any help in comparison, my Mercury Verado 150 with it's 14p Enertia prop hits WOT in the 5800-6300 rpm range. Always, going into a tight turn, I trim all the way down. My prop never loses grip. Speed drops from 35-38 to about 25. This is with a dual bimini top up.

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:40 am
by Gogo
Sorry about the delayed response. So I have been out twice since this post. I believe I finally got the hang of it a bit. Especially coming from an open bow boat. My wife and I and 3/4 of a tank , cooler, WOT 5600RPM 200 less then recomended by Merc 37MPH per GPS. I think Im ok

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 11:35 am
by jafo9
i concur with trimming down a bit.

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 9:34 am
by blackpearl
Screenshot_20180828-121212.jpg
Screenshot_20180828-121212.jpg (221.58 KiB) Viewed 3786 times
So I have a Starcraft sls3 as well with Mercury 150 and I have tried over 6 props and no matter what I cant get above 34mph. I have the Enertia 15 1/4 ×14p and only get 32.5mph wot at 5250 rpm. Can anyone help please??..?

Re: New to pontoon world!

Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 12:58 pm
by ron nh
I think people on here have recommended 15x15 stainless steel for a Merc 150? You should be able to get the RPM's up. Motor might be to low.