I just purchased a Ranger 1860 with Evinrude 150 E-Tec. I am at an elevation of 4,000 feet. This is the first time I have run the brand new motor. I was at WOT and had 5200 rpm's 44 mph gps and 46 on boat speedometer. The motor is in the highest mounting position. I am supposed to be in the 5500-5600 range. This is the first time out and I will run again. Currently it has a 14 1/4 x 17 4 blade cyclone. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I think you are doing pretty good at that elevation. I have a 19P Viper pitched down to an 18 and can hit around 5400-5500. It is hard to get them in that upper range. When I ran a 17P, I was ticking almost 6000, so I think you are close. At higher elevation you will need a lower pitch prop and I think you would be too high if you go smaller. Have you tired a 17P viper on that rig? The 3 blade may give you a little more rpms.

I have a1850 150e Tec---08 in Mn. I run a 18 P 4 blade good hole shot, s5450/5500 rpm 43 gps
speed with full fuel and three people. I'v had 48 gps 1/2 tank and alone.
4 blades give better hole shot and more top end bite. My dealer said don,t run past 5800 on top
end,

I think you are doing pretty good at that elevation. I have a 19P Viper pitched down to an 18 and can hit around 5400-5500. It is hard to get them in that upper range. When I ran a 17P, I was ticking almost 6000, so I think you are close. At higher elevation you will need a lower pitch prop and I think you would be too high if you go smaller. Have you tired a 17P viper on that rig? The 3 blade may give you a little more rpms.

I am satisfied with the speed and with the prop for now. The recommended rpm range is 5500-5600. Am I close enough to this range or is it going to be hard on my motor if I keep the prop I have? So, if I did do anything it would be better to go with a 3 blade with the same pitch?

You will be fine. Some out there say you are lugging your motor if you are not running at the peak RPM's, but I have tried several props and read reports on this combo, it seems hard to dial in. The stock 18p cyclone it comes with has great bite and hole shot, but also had terrible engine breaking. I can't believe chappy is hitting 5400-5500 with that prop? I couldn't get anywhere near that. Maybe 5100 at best....If you want top end, 3 blade is the way to go. I just wanted good all around performance and to get the RPM's closer to the recommended range. I am sure there are a lot of other props to try out there, but I am happy with this setup. The Viper still has a good hole shot and doesn't blow out at all. I had propman rework it to an 18P and he drilled the merc vent holes in it too. Works great.

With all due respect to BW I would personally try to get your RPMs up. At 5200 you are 300 below the minimum range. I would prop to at least 5500 if not more.

If you didn't know, lots of great E-Tec info. here; www.etecownersgroup.com (http://www.etecownersgroup.com)

BW, did your Viper blow out before propmann repitched it? I have an old style Viper in 19p and it blows out around 3/4 trim. I talked to propmann last week and may try a Powertech OFS3 in 19p once the river allows.

Hey Phowler,
It actually didn't blow out, but I wasn't getting enough RPM's out of it! My goal was trying to max out performance on my setup and have the best all around prop. It doesn't grip as well as the 4 blade of course, but doesn't blow out either. Granted I have not fished in really nasty water with it either.

By all means I am not an expert on props, just what I have researched and tried myself. Altitude will be a different factor too. Of course the OP should try to get as close to the max RPM's as possible!!