View Full Version : Ranger 617/Merc 150 Opti Prop
infishman
04-25-2002, 06:03 PM
What prop is best for top end speed on a 617 Ranger with a 150 Merc Opti?
infishman
Call Ranger direct and they will give you the best answer...........
With a 21" 3 blade stainless steel prop, you should be able to coax 60 MPH from your 150 Opti on your Ranger 617. My own personal rig which is the same as yours has a Mirage plus 21" three blade prop. Under ideal conditions with two aboard, full tank of fuel & fishing gear /9.9 kicker I can get 57-58 Mph. With one aboard and a light load of fuel and a light chop on the water, I can inch over the 60 MPH (GPS) threshold. I seldom run at WOT because my 617/150 OPTI runs beautifully at 4000 RPM and she's running 45 MPH. That's fast enough for me because I'm out there to catch Walleyes and the 617 is rock solid stable and I don't lose my cap. Enjoy your Ranger & 150 Opti!
Ed, I'm running the same setup you are except I have a Lazer II 21p prop. I can only get upper 40's to around 50 at WOT. Would a Mirage prop make that big of a difference? Any thoughts? Thanks!
HELP:
It would seem to me that you should be able to go faster than you are currently doing. My rig came with the Mirage plus prop, which has the Mercury name on it, and I never ran any other prop. I have a couple of questions: 1) Are you getting 5500 RPM at WOT? 2) What hole is your Opti mounted on? Mine is the 3rd hole. 3) Are you trimming out your engine when you are on full plane? 4) Have you asked your dealer why you're only running in the 40's? If you have an honerable dealer, he'll want you to be satisfied and he will help you. 5) I would not hesitate to call Mercury Marine. Good Luck! Ed
Ed, thanks for the reply. I am currently running about 5400 WOT. The engine is mounted in the 3rd hole (thought about raising it 1 hole). I trim it until I start to lose speed(about when the rooster tail is as high as the engine cowling). My dealer, along with other people I have talked to said upper 40's is about all I should expect out of the setup. I will talk to them again and see what they suggest. Thanks!
fishhunter
04-26-2002, 01:55 PM
my boat is 250-300lbs lighter than a ranger. I have a 150 opti and can only get 50 on a good day. Can I trade you motors???
Sorry fishhunter, I absolutely love the Opti and wouldn't trade it for the world. Just wish I knew what it would take to get the boat to run to its full potential. If this cold, rainy weather keeps up, I should have plenty of time to think about it though.
infishman
04-28-2002, 09:14 AM
I appreciate the help!! What type of trolling motor do you have? (Make, model and popunds of thrust along with shaft length)
I am putting on a Minn Kota 65# Auto Pilot w/ a 60" shaft and wonder if that may be too long of a shaft. Also wonder about 653s - enough thrust or power with that?
Sound like you have a nice 617 - I can't wait for mine!!
infishman,
You will LOVE your 617! It is a remarkable fishing platform. Over time you will really appreciate the "Ranger Trail Trailer" as well. You asked about my trolling motor: It is a Pin-Point 3700 with 60lbs of thrust. In the past two years I have not needed more thrust. It has a 60" shaft and I recommed that length on a 617.
Enjoy your new boat!
infishman
04-28-2002, 10:36 AM
:) THANKS ED!!!!!!
Ed, are you aware that the prop calculation for your 4000 rpm at 45mph with a 21 pitch prop equates to a 1 percent slip factor? Are you sure of these numbers? cause the math will not support it. And further, you would only be at 3 percent slip to reach the 60 mph platue? Are you sure it is not a 23 pitch Mirage? and if so, you do have on ##### of a motor. I think the guys in the low to mid 50's are probably right on. Not many 1-3 percent deep v's out there. and Ranger is not noted for speed. Run the nubmers.
Ryno
rangermic
04-29-2002, 05:46 PM
Good qestion. Ed - are sure which prop?
fishhunter
04-30-2002, 04:38 AM
I want eds if it will push that ranger that fast.