Laser II vs. Tempest Plus -OR- Which should be on my Verado?

[moose-hunter]

I tested two props today. I'm not sure how I feel with either one. Today's test conditions were:

Air temp: 77*f
Light breeze out of the S.E. @ 7mph
Humidity: 56%
Dew Point: 61*
Water temp: 81*

Boat was loaded with a tournament load of gear.
Approx. 25 gallons of gas.
Only me in the boat. (6', 190lb.)
Both live wells dry.
(3) batteries
Terrova up front, 9.9 Pro Kicker out back.

Merc Revolution 4, 21 pitch, 4 blade

Speed at idle (reverse): 2.1mph
Speed at idle (forward): 3.3mph
Nosed over on plane at 14.4mph, "0" trim
Min. speed to maintain plane: 16.9mph
Speed at WOT (max trim): 50.7 @ 5800rpm
Notes: INCREDIBLE Holeshot! This prop puts the boat on plane almost instantly.

Merc Tempest Plus, 19 pitch, 3 blade

These figures were run with the large opening PVS plugs installed
Speed at idle (reverse): 1.9mph
Speed at idle (forward): 3.0mph
Nosed over on plane at 14.2mph, "0" trim
Min. speed to maintain plane: 18mph
Speed at WOT (max trim): 50.1 @ 6300rpm

These figures were run with the SOLID PVS plugs installed
speed at idle (reverse): 1.9mph
Speed at idle (forward): 3.0mph
Nosed over on plane at 15.2mph, "0" trim
Min. speed to maintain plane: 18.2mph
Speed at WOT (max trim): 52.1 @ 6340RPM

Notes: Both configurations had a very good holeshot! Hopped up on plane quickly. This prop puts the boat on plane almost instantly. No blowing out at extreme trim angles. It takes a VERY sharp trun at high trim to blow it out while turning.

Overall, I like the smoothness of the 4 blade but the performance of the 3 blade. Both felt very hooked up and controlled. However, I didn't like the low RPM of the 21P Rev 4 -OR- the high RPM of the 19P Tempest Plus. Seems like a 20P Tempest would be the hot ticket for me. but then again... I was running rather light. Will the weight of another fisherman, filled live wells, cooler.... Alter the results to where they're more "acceptable"?

After a lengthy discussion, my dealer will swap out my Laser II for either one of these props. All I'd need to buy would be a new hub kit. Just as a "feels good" insurance policy. That would at least give me a decent prop that does NOT blow out if you look at the throttle wrong.

What do y'all think? Go with the 19P Tempest Plus or what?

[1860Angler]

How about a Rev 4 19, it would get your RPM's up and should keep you WOT Speed close to what you are seeing in the 21?

[Prov275]

19 tempest......

[chico]

Thanks Dan:You are running almost the identical #s i thought you would.Identical to mine,you will find that with another person or two,even extra gear will not make that much diff. top end but will slow you down a little out of the hole.If you ever try a 4 blade please post results,and if i do it first i will post.Thanks for the info Chico

[moose-hunter]

Originally Posted by chico

Thanks Dan:You are running almost the identical #s i thought you would.Identical to mine,you will find that with another person or two,even extra gear will not make that much diff. top end but will slow you down a little out of the hole.If you ever try a 4 blade please post results,and if i do it first i will post.Thanks for the info Chico

You're welcome, my friend. Happy to help.

The other prop tested today was a 4 blade. Just not the RKR Ricky was talking about. Since I now have a 19 pitch Tempest, I'm going to run this until the engine is past it's first fluid change. Should be next week sometime. Then... I'm going to talk to Ricky again and see what we can see on the Power Techs he has. Maybe I'll go the 4 blade route with one of those...

[TJEli]

Just so you know... The fact that you got more speed with solid PVS plugs was a fluke. Run whichever plug configuration gives you the propper RPM on holeshot.

-Eli

[moose-hunter]

Originally Posted by TJEli

Just so you know... The fact that you got more speed with solid PVS plugs was a fluke. Run whichever plug configuration gives you the propper RPM on holeshot.

-Eli

Fluke or not... I'm good with it. And the holeshot, as easy as I was taking it, was incredible. I have a set of large opening PVS plugs I might play around with later. I can only imagine, after she's completely broken in, what it's going to feel like hammering on the throttle!

[moose-hunter]

Curious about a couple things...

- TJEli mentioned "proper RPM on holeshot". What would that be on my Mid range V-Rod and how do I tune the PVS to get me there?

- Ran the 19p in some big waves this morning. The great holeshot with this prop really shined!! However... With all the torque this engine has, I'm wonder if a bit more pitch might be possible. Anyone running the 21P Tempest Plus? Or whatever prop with more the a 19" pitch on their 1875 Pro V. If so... Care to comment on your performance?

[Burr]

Moose - I'm with the others in thinking the 19 pitch for your boat has just showed you that is the correct pitch to be running. I'd encourage you to feel comfortable with the Tempest rpms, and it would be interesting to now compare the Rev 4 in a 19 pitch prop to what you have now until your first fluid change.

A 21 pitch seems to take your rpms too low, and your hole shot will suffer as well. Kind of makes me wonder what the Rev 4 with less pitch will leave for a holeshot impression, and where the max rpm's/speed will be.

As it appears, it may be time for you to experience for a few trips, more people in the boat, might end up with more gear, unless you're one of the few that get less gear over time. Changing weight distribution, etc.

Maybe the PT prop is one to experience too?

[moose-hunter]

Originally Posted by Burr

Moose - I'm with the others in thinking the 19 pitch for your boat has just showed you that is the correct pitch to be running. I'd encourage you to feel comfortable with the Tempest rpms, and it would be interesting to now compare the Rev 4 in a 19 pitch prop to what you have now until your first fluid change.

A 21 pitch seems to take your rpms too low, and your hole shot will suffer as well. Kind of makes me wonder what the Rev 4 with less pitch will leave for a holeshot impression, and where the max rpm's/speed will be.

As it appears, it may be time for you to experience for a few trips, more people in the boat, might end up with more gear, unless you're one of the few that get less gear over time. Changing weight distribution, etc.

Maybe the PT prop is one to experience too?

Burr...

Thanks for your response! As it may not seem like it but... I'm VERY happy with the 19 Tempest. And as you said... Less gear over time?? Not this guy. I may need a tag-along boat just for spare stuff! LOL!!

I'm going to play with this prop for a while. If I stumble across another prop that looks interesting, I may go for it... Just to see what happens. Such as a REV 4 in a 19. Or a PT 3 or 4 blade. Or maybe even a 21 Tempest. Who knows.

I'm one that likes to tinker and try new stuff. But if it doesn't work, or puts my engine in danger of damage... It's out the door.