What kind of prop should I run

[Matt]

I just bought a 2050 Crestliner Sportfish with a 200 Optimax on it and I was wondering what prop I should put on it for optimum speed. Any help would be great.

[Dodge1]

Matt

Try this
http://www.mercurymarine.com/cgibin/mercprod/MercuryHome/Templates/DotComTemplate.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=no&BV_SessionID=@@@@1918139427.0986417674@@@@&BV_EngineID=dalkifljefgbedbfececjf.0&page_id=317

It takes you to Mercury Marines Prop guide where you should be able to get a fairly good idea of what to try.

Another site is

http://www.rbbi.com/folders/prop/propcalc.htm

You have to figure out what prop to run and it neglects the weight of the boat etc. but it's kind of interesting to calculate the slip.


Dodge

[Big Fish]

I've got the same setup and am having pretty good luck with a 21" tempest (54 mph gps with one in the boat). RPM's are lower than I would like though- 5400. With engine mounted in second hole it blows out in tight turns however, so am going to do some more experimenting with things like small hub trophy,and mounting engine in the first hole etc. The four blade props handle much better in my opinion. The proper pitch seems like 20" to get in the right rpm range,but don't think these props come in 20. If anyone has any ideas, I am interested also. Hope this helped and please post or e-mail me if you find the combination. Hope you like the boat as much as I do.. cw

[mark]

I have the same boat an I would like to know what prop to run when hauling alot of people, say an average of six.

[HOP]

I don't have the same boat but close. I run a 200 Opti on a Crestliner 2100 Phantom. I ended up with a 3-blade Mercury LaserII, 21P. Runs great overall. On plane in a heartbeat, pushes low 60's on glass, WOT runs just below 5750rpm. I started out looking for a 4/5 blade but dealer talked me in to trying the 3 blade and I have been really pleased. Only issue I have is slight cavitation sometimes when fully trimmed and WOT taking turns.

Good luck,
HOP

[RickT]

I have been having a heck of a time finding the right prop for my boat also. All I can say is if you have a good dealer he should have a line of Mercury demo props. My dealer loaded me up with them and I headed for the river. Just remember when trying props to load the boat like you will be using it. 800 rods. 300 pounds of tackle, 25 pounds of lunch etc. I ended up with the same pitch prop but in a high five. Rpms are back down where they should be, I picked up 2 mile per hour and it doesnt brake loose.

[JKJ]

I agree 100 % with you Rick. In fact it is the only correct answer to "What prop should I run??"

Just went through the process myelf. Well worth the effort. I ran 6 different props before finding the best one for my set-up.