Prop Question

[Fishingaddiction]

I currently have a 135 hp optimax that I purchased used last year. I purchased it with a 23 pitch ss prop. Is this the right size prop for the motor? The boat it is on is a 2000 Ranger 681.

[eye4aneye]

One thing to keep in mind when comparing props with other guys, the 135 opti has a lower gear ratio than the 150 and 175's so you will need a prop with more pitch than the other v6 opti's. What RPM does your motor top out at with the 23p?

[ffishman]

The most important thing to remember is, the engine is made to run at a certain RPM. If you engine is running right there, you should be good to go. Check your manual, or go on line, to find out what RPM,s you need.

[propmann]

Originally Posted by Fishingaddiction

I currently have a 135 hp optimax that I purchased used last year. I purchased it with a 23 pitch ss prop. Is this the right size prop for the motor? The boat it is on is a 2000 Ranger 681.

23 pitch sounds way to high of pitch for that motor. I would say a 21 pitch would be the biggest pitch you could run. If you post your current #s we can get you dialed into the right prop

[Fishingaddiction]

Thanks for the input guys. Last year when I used it I am pretty sure I was able to get up the recommended rpm level. I will have to get some more time on it and post again with more information so you can let me know if it is where I want to be or not.

[Fish-er-man]

Thats what I have on my 135 opti is a 21 pitch. Bought boat used though so I don't know if its right.

[Jack G]

I made a note of this information a few years ago. I do not recall exactly where I read it.

Every 1/8 inch change in pitch equates to approximately 25 RPM. If RPM is too high, go up in pitch to lower RPM. If RPM is too low, go down in pitch to raise RPM.

You should read the motor manual to determine what is the max RPM for your motor and then see if your current set up is coming close to that RPM.

Jack

[SSH]

What are the max rpm's for your current setup?

Looks like the rpm's for the Optimax 135hp are
Max RPM (WOT) 5000-5600 .

[TomP.]

Originally Posted by SSH

What are the max rpm's for your current setup?

Looks like the rpm's for the Optimax 135hp are
Max RPM (WOT) 5000-5600 .

Depend on year maybe my book says my 2000 135 Opti 5750 RPM. I run a 182 Crestliner TS with 14 1/8 X 19 Pitch Apolo and I am flirting with5800 to 6000 RPM running light.

Propman ( Rick ) is sending me a Power Tech prop 14 X 19 vented with a lot of cup it will be an interesting comparison

[Lusox]

I don't know if this will help:
I have the very same boat and motor. I have a 23P, 14" TempestPlus, 7/16" vent holes and the motor mounted all the way up. I do have a 3 battery set and a 8 hp Johnson kicker weighing down the stern. When I bought the boat I had the Merc. dealer pull the hrs/rpms on the motor and the readout showed (along with the lower rpm hrs) that the motor had run 20.9 hrs.@ 5000-5499 rpm and 6.9 hrs. @ 5500-6249 rpms. SO... it seems like it's operating in the proper range although it also looks like it was buzzed up to 6249 at some time. The previous owner told me that it would do 50 mph.
I have not yet run it at WOT because I fish mostly smaller lakes and the few times that I've been on big enough water to run flat out it was just too rough to do it.
I have noticed a tendency to porpoise (sp?) unless it's trimmed down quite a bit.
I intend to try a 4 blade prop this year to get lower speed planeing - don't care so much about losing a bit of top speed
BTW, congrats on your boat, I love mine.
I built FR. and Rear casting decks for mine and really love the room.

Lusox