Prop

[MrChickyBaBa]

Need advice. I have a Ranger 196V, this is a 19'4'' fish n ski. It has a 200 Optimax on it and I am currently getting 58mph out of this boat, it currently has a 5 bladed SS prop on it at a 25 pitch. I was told that if I changed to a 3 blade I would lose some of my hole shot but could gain up to 5 to 7mph. All I am doing is fishing tournaments from this boat so top end gain is what I am looking for. Need some advice on a prop and realistic top speed gains from a change. Thanks.

[SteveM4A1]

I would drop down in pitch to a 24 and run a 3 blade. That way you can still keep some holeshot. I don't know a whole lot about that boat, but I would think 65 is attainable with a 3 blade. Check out Ranger Boats and post over there. You will get the correct answer, and not someone guessing like me

[dhadley50]

On Ranger boats like that we've had the most success with the Turbo Lightning props when we're looking for top speed. The merc Hi-Five wasn't known for a lot of lift or top end speed. When we're after all around use we go with the Turbo Ultima 4. Great holeshot, great mid range and carrying ability. But for top end only we look at the Lightning. Still a good holeshot, great lift and top end.

[SteveM4A1]

On Ranger boats like that we've had the most success with the Turbo Lightning props when we're looking for top speed. The merc Hi-Five wasn't known for a lot of lift or top end speed. When we're after all around use we go with the Turbo Ultima 4. Great holeshot, great mid range and carrying ability. But for top end only we look at the Lightning. Still a good holeshot, great lift and top end.

Even when running deeper? I know plenty of people who have tried running turbos deeper than 3" below pad and had negative results. I personally run a TXP around 1.5" below and like it a lot. I think a 24p fury might be better for this, but I have 0 experience with that boat model.

[dhadley50]

The Rangers usually benifit from a prop with bow lift and the Lightning has great bow lift. Yes, it can run pretty high which reduces gearcase drag thus helping with handling and speed. Most all Turbos, especially the Lightning, will grab harder than the Hi Five so I don't think we'll be in the 25" range, probably a 24 maybe a 23. Depends on set up etc and obviously a hydraulic jackplate helps.

[SteveM4A1]

Yea with as stiff as turbos are, I would say a 23p would be a good starting point. 24 on most other props.

[MrChickyBaBa]

I went to the Mercury website and used their prop calculator and comparison to what I am currently using. They listed 5 different props all of which were either a 3 or 4 blade in 23 or 24 pitch. It also had a calculator that asked what my priority was, i listed top end. It ask to input RPM, boat weight and length and was supposed to give me a good estimate on top end, it showed a top end of 70.8 mph with the corret prop. I would be tickled with that, but I think that 65mph is a more realistic goal. Anyone know of a good used 3 or 4 blade prop for sale? I want to keep the one I currently have for a spare or I would try looking for a trade somewhere.

[SteveM4A1]

I went to the Mercury website and used their prop calculator and comparison to what I am currently using. They listed 5 different props all of which were either a 3 or 4 blade in 23 or 24 pitch. It also had a calculator that asked what my priority was, i listed top end. It ask to input RPM, boat weight and length and was supposed to give me a good estimate on top end, it showed a top end of 70.8 mph with the corret prop. I would be tickled with that, but I think that 65mph is a more realistic goal. Anyone know of a good used 3 or 4 blade prop for sale? I want to keep the one I currently have for a spare or I would try looking for a trade somewhere.

Props4Sale