ss prop for 03 targa 2000

[derek]

I have an 03 targa 2000 with 225 merc opti any info i can get on getting the best prop on the boat would be appreciated

[Jim Carroll]

Derek, I had several Targa 2000's with 225 Opti's. My favorite prop for the Targa is a 3-blade Mercury Tempest 23. The other prop that performs very well on that boat is a Mercury High-five 23. The Tempest should be a touch faster and the High-Five will have more control or bite. To get the best performance, your motor should be mounted up as high as it will go. A stabilizing plate or hydrofoil will help with hole shot. I always used "The Edge" in SS by Cobra Marine. Good Luck, Jim Carroll #588

[derek]

Thanks a lot Jim. I really appreciate your taking the time to help me.

[Toolman]

derek,

You have already recieved an answer from someone more knowledgable than myself about Tracker Targas. I have one thing I would add and 1 question. About 90% of the Targa 2000s I looked at that had the 225 Opti (while looking for a used one) came with the 23 High-five. That's what I have on mine now and it seems to work very well. I guess the reason most guys run that prop is it performs well on that engine/hull combo.

JimC-If you read this:
What did you like about the Merc Tempest 23 did you like better than the High-five on the Targa 2000? Also, I didn't know that there were any Targa 2000s made in '03.
Thanks,
Tim

[Gary Parsons]

I'd recommend the 23 pitch high five for the best overall prop. It has a better hole shot and almost the same top end speed as any other prop. Mount the engine up the highest it will go and like Jim said, use a cavation plate. The one most of us used was an SE 300 that can be purchased from Bass Pro. I don't know of anyone having any problems with this plate. Good Luck and enjoy a very good rough water boat.

Gary Parsons

[Jim Carroll]

Why the Tempest 23? I like going FAST...LOL The hole shot is also very good with this prop but I should add here that I had my Targa's rigged a little differently than most. I had three deep cycle batteries and my on-board charger all bolted to an aluminum plate mounted in the front center compartment in the bow. The effect was to move 150 pounds or so forward in the boat and that certainly helped the hole shot. The High-Five is a more versatile choice- especially if your heavily loaded but you will give up at least 2 GPS to the Tempest in flat water and maybe a little more in rough water if you can trim it up. The Tempest is really fast with it's longer blades when the hull is out of the water. And yes, Targa 2000's were made in 2003. Best Fishes! Jim Carroll NPAA #588

[Toolman]

Thanks Jim and Gary. Sorry derrek for jumping in here. Jim-My Targa is rigged similar to yours. Three group 31 batteries up front. I also have the SE300 foil. Seems like a good set-up, just looking for options. I run on Erie about 90% of the time so the days you can go WOT are limited. With a light chop, 2 guys and a "tournament load" it will hit 57 or so GPS. Fast enough for me!

Tim

[derek]

sorry for the confusion Toolman, my boat is an 02 i just never got around to fixing my typo

[Jim Carroll]

Hey guys, I had a brain fade, sorry for the confusion. Targa's were NOT made in 2003! 2002 was the last year of production. JC

[Toolman]

Jim,

Brain "fades" are OK. When it stops working altogether, then you're in trouble! ;) One more question on the Tempest prop. I like to go fast, too, but don't want to sacrifice the bite the High five gives in rough water and holeshot. Not ever having run a tempest on my rig, would you recommend trying one (again 90% of my water time is on Erie) or be satisfied with my present set-up? I figured the holeshot would really suffer, but since you said that you liked it, I may reconsider. Thanks.

Tim

[Jim Carroll]

Tim, with your boat rigged as it is I doubt you would lose much hole shot with the Tempest. Again the exception might be if you are fishing with three or more people, then the High-Five will spin up quicker. With the batteries forward in the boat, I really liked how the Tempest ran flat at speed in waves. I spent a lot of time in Johnnie's Targa (High-Five) and there were definitely differences in the way the boats handled. You will want to try a Tempest and decide for yourself. Both Johnnie and I carry extra props, and when we're in Cleveland we can give you a loaner if you want to try one out. You will find that the Tempest will make your Mercury sound MEAN- I love that Opti Growl my motor makes when it's spinning those big blades. Every time I got in Johnnie's boat it sounded like he had a 150 on the back...}( Really, I think that will be the only bummer with the new X-motor. It accelerates like a rocket and all you hear is the wind. It's a weird feeling; I guess we will just have to get used to it...LOL Jim Carroll #588

[Toolman]

Jim,

Thanks. I'll be there for the WWA from 7/22 through 7/25. I think I'd like to take you up on that prop test offer. Maybe a test ride in the Tundra 21 Walleye Edition, too! (Probably shouldn't though, I'll end up with another boat and a "Big D") :)

Tim