RPMS with 115 optimax

[smally]

I can only get up to about 5300 to 5400 max on my rpms. I know 5750 is max I should get. My question is am I "lugging" the motor in this range or am I close enough to max ?

[Opti-Mist]

The listed maximum rpm's for an Optimax is 5250 - 5750. The mid-point is 5500. You are very close to that with the prop you are using. If you are satisfied with your performance, you are within the operating range of rpm's. You are not lugging at those speeds.

[staylor]

Most Optis seem to run best about 100-150 rpm under the upper rev limit. So if your motor is labled as 5250-5750 then propping to about 5600 or so with a light load would be perfect. Whatever you do- never over-rev an Opti- you will have expensive troubles if you do, and I'm reasonably sure that the internal computer will remember this over-rev condition if you take it back to the dealer with broken parts to be fixed under warranty. My Opti 150 runs with various props- I like a 21 pitch which gives me 5650 with a light load most of the time. If it's cool and I want to go fast I'll run a 22 or 23 pitch which give around 5400-5500 at 50 degrees outsuide temp. I run a 20 pitch for trolling and for heavy loads/skiing.
Doug