TS172, 135 opti, prop report

[chadk66]

I have tried 5 different props on my 2000 TS172 with 135 Optimax. Here is what I tried and the results.

1. 21" LaserII - poor holeshot, 46 gps, 5000 rpm.
2. 19" Mirage Plus- Awesome holeshot, 44gps, 5000 rpm.
3. 19" Trophy Plus- Major Cavitation, too much rpm, 46 gps, not possible to run this prop on this rig.
4. 19" LaserII- good holeshot, 5500 rpm, 45gps. Pretty decent combo.
5. 17" Mirage Plus- Awesome holeshot, 46gps, 5500 rpm. The perfect prop for this combo.

any questions email me at chadk66@yahoo.com

[miksup]

Just read your post. Looked at all your numbers, and while I'm happy you're satisfied that you have what you need, there is a major problem with the numbers. On the 17 Mirage, at 5500 revs, you say it does 46 MPH. That is virtually impossible with that engine. The theoretical max speed when plugging in those numbers is 46.8 MPH. The numbers don't lie. We have a problem somewhere. Also. you say the 19 Trophy cavitated too much and ran too many revs. I'd be interest in knowing how many revs you were reading and what speeds were being attained.

[chadk66]

I can't really understand the mph's myself. But they are all gps and I guess I don't have any reason to think that it's wrong. The trophy would over rev causing the over rev alarm to sound on the motor. It would really spin out bad on take off and cavitate bad on turns under power. I think there is too much exhaust blast over the blades. But I swear on the bible that I get 46 on the 17 mirage. Weird that I can get the same mph's as the 19 mirage, only difference is the rpm's. The only thing I can think of is that there is very little slippage with the mirage prop allowing the additional mph's. Tell me what you think miksup. Is it possible one of the props I tried may not have been a good one.

[miksup]

If the rev limiter activated, then it means your tach is now set correctly. I assume it activated at about 5900-6000 revs. The thing I don't understand is why the 19 Trophy hit that many revs and the 19 Laser didn't. The Laser should have gotten to the limiter sooner. The only thing I can figure is that the Trophy you had is a mis-marked 17 or something. Also, the speed with the 17 Mirage would be right on the money if it was actually a mis-marked 19. It would come out to about 12 percent slippage. I've been told that you can buy 3 different props that supposedly are all the same and they really aren't the same pitch. The only way to tell is if you had the dies. I guess all I can say is, your rig seems to be dialed in pretty good. Do what I did. Quit second guessing yourself and just enjoy the rig.

[chadk66]

Miksup,
I took the boat back out this morning before the rain hit. I'm a little embarrased to say that the 46 gps was with the current in the river which is about 3mph current I'd guess. Up current it ran around 43 gps. I oblivious to that the first time out. That makes more sense to me. But you are correct, it is dialed in perfectly now. I used to race motocross for years and am so used to dialing things in to perfection that it is just a habbit with me. Anyway, the road getting there doesn't matter as long as the end result is satisfaction which I am now. Thanks for the help buddy.

[Stan]

Chad,

Did you give any thought to trying a Tempest Plus?

[chadk66]

That has occured to me. I am hearing that more and more ranger owners are running them since they are working better on the heavier boats. My boats seems very heavy for it's size the way I load it and I usually have several people aboard. I may try a tempest before the summer is over.