Solved!! Update: I Heard Back From Dealer- A 14x19p prop???

[Cpl0724]

So in another thread I discuss that I am re-powering my 2014 Lowe pontoon with strakes, and underskinning with a 2016 Mercury SeaPro 115, which has the CT lower.

I pick it up tomorrow, and they called today and said the "prop guy" (that's what they call him), put a Vengeance SS 14x19p prop on there (I asked for SS). I am concerned because I was expecting a 15p or 17p based on my time with the Mercury prop selector.

The SeaPro's max rpm's are 5500 vs 6000 for a normal CT, but still a 19p?

21 footer, 1800 pounds, 900 load, and want all around use and good midrange for tubing.

Am I just dense, or is that 19 too high? I am seriously thinking of asking them to swap for a 17p or 15p.

Thoughts????

[MH Hawker]

ask for a lake test

[Rick McC.]

That does sound high to me.

[Cpl0724]

Thanks guys. I am going to have a thorough discussion tomorrow on how they arrived there. Will also ask for the lake test, but also considering swapping for a 17 first.

I'll report back on what they say...

[Bamaman]

I wonder about their train of thought. Most 115 hp boats would be equipped with a 13 or 15 pitch prop and a 19 pitch prop is what they'd use on an aluminum bass boat.

You should ask the dealer to lake test the boat--taking 13, 15, 17 and 19 pitch props with you. You should tell within 2 minutes if a propeller is not properly suited for your boat. Be sure to trim the engine up high so you get the nosecones out of the water.

[ron nh]

I can't get over 5400 RPM with a 13.5x17P on a 115CT.

[FLOUNDERPOUNDER225]

I doubt you'll see even 5K with a 19P prop

[Soonertoon]

Make em prove it. I don't buy a bit of it . WAY too high.

[Cpl0724]

I made them change it to a 17p. I am going to do break in and such tomorrow.

Funny, the guy they were referring to as the "prop guy" was the owner. I think he was being way too conservative since was a SeaPro. Got it changed, hopefully tomorrow will prove 17p was the right call. I certainly feel better starting there vs the 19!

[rancherlee]

I have the same gear ratio (2.38:1) on my 140 Suzuki and generally run 17p @ 5800-6100rpm with low slip and speeds around 37-38mph. Your new 115 is only around 10hp shy of my 140 and actually has a touch more displacement. I run a 15p 4 blade aluminum when pulling tubes/full load and that prop hit the 6400 rpm rev limiter @ 35mph with less than 4 people on board.

[Rick McC.]

[quote="Cpl0724"]I made them change it to a 17p. I am going to do break in and such tomorrow.

Funny, the guy they were referring to as the "prop guy" was the owner. I think he was being way too conservative since was a SeaPro. Got it changed, hopefully tomorrow will prove 17p was the right call. I certainly feel better starting there vs the 19![/quote]


I think you'll be right on with a 17.

[Cpl0724]

I got the boat out yesterday for the break-in procedure. I keep the boat on Lake Conroe which can get rough, and yesterday it certainly was, with winds around 15-20mph, chop was 3-3.5' (guess). Very few boats out there.

Followed break-in procedure and after the 2nd hour opened it up for a little bit. I am certainly glad I had them switch to a 17p vs. that 19p. The RPM's maxed out at 5000 and speed was 25mph with digital tach and gps for speed.

Had 2 adults and two 12 year olds on boat, and full tank of gas.

The max rpm for the SeaPro is 5500. So question is, how much do y'all think the conditions affected performance? I can drop to a 15p, or do you think with better conditions I could get a little more rpm (maybe closer to 5250 or so) and speed out of the 17p?

I want it set up more to run 4 to 9 people, with little ones tubing, vs. just getting every ounce of speed out of it.

Any input is much appreciated!

[Bamaman]

Were you able to get the toons out of the water--given the big wave conditions? Until the boat is not plowing through the water, you'll never get the max. rpm or speed out of it. And you won't know how it performs.

If the 200 rpm's per 1 pitch rule stands, you need to go below 15 on the pitch--to a 13 pitch or maybe even less.

Pontoons are often just so difficult to get right. With you're wanting to carry heavy loads, much less pitch will certainly be warranted.

[SamiGuy]

Just for what its worth...I have a 22' Sweetwater with 115 Yamaha. Had issue with 17P, kept ventilating and only 5500 RPM. Went to SOLAS 13 1/2" 15P SS "Mickey Mouse" blades. Now with same load as you, 35 MPS GPS top speed and all around good for tube with two up. Very happy with this choice and use the "old prop" a spare.
Get out there on a smoother day with the nose up and see what it does. 17 still sounds too high, but only testing will give you the answer.
Good luck and have fun !!
Sami

[Cpl0724]

I really couldn't tell on getting the front of the pontoons out of the water, the conditions were pretty terrible for what I was trying to do.

Talked to dealer, I am going to pick up a couple different props: Vengeance 15p, and a Spitfire 13p and 15p. They are about 40 minutes from where I keep the boat, and I don't want to wait for one of their techs to be available.

I am going to try the Vengeance 17p again, then the 15p, and so on, then bring back the ones I don't want, they just want a deposit on them while I have em.

I hope to do this Friday, and have it nailed down. Of course it will be just me, so I won't be running it with a load on (besides my fat ass, I am working on that but have a while to go!).

Do y'all think that my findings in this pitch range will still be applicable to a full load?

Anyone have success with the Spitfires, X7 or regular vs. 3 blade?