Hi guys! I'm new to this forum and I was looking for tips or info on increasing top end speed. I purchased (July 2019) a 95 Astro 18 DCX with a 2002 175 Merc Optimax. Im running a 23p trophy plus and currently getting 59.3 mph @ 5600 rpm. Should I add a jackplate first before testing different prop pitches or look at props first? I understand that both will affect performance so I was looking at what steps to do first. Thanks!
Jackplate first.
Search this forum first, its a wealth of information and great guys with great advice. Welcome to the group!
Realistic expectations for this rig? Maybe 63-65 MPH range loaded to fish.
Wash your hands and say your prayers, cause Jesus and germs are everywhere.
Not sure if 63-65 is realistic or optimistic for that rig.
2020 Triton 18 TRX
Tournament Fishing Package
2020 Mercury 200 Pro XS V8 Serial # 2B588923
Minn Kota Ultrex 80# I Pilot Link
Hi Jacker EZ 6" Jack Plate
Bravo 1 FS 24 Pitch Prop
Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS CHIRP G2 Bow
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA GPS DI G3 Console
Trick Step Boarding Steps
RMP Engine Support
Jackplate first, find the sweet spot for your hull, than fine tune the prop to get the rpms where they need to be.
When your adjusting the jackplate start at 3-1/2" p2p with a full tournament load (full of fuel, two adults, their gear, and water in the live wells). Come up 1/4" per run till you lose speed or water pressure then drop it back to previous setting. Keep coming up till you see that change every hull even identical boats have different sweet spots. Keep coming up till you see that change.
61-62 is a real number with a plate and it might need a 23 tempest to keep the bow up.
^Originally Posted by mdtritn21
I agree.
2020 Triton 18 TRX
Tournament Fishing Package
2020 Mercury 200 Pro XS V8 Serial # 2B588923
Minn Kota Ultrex 80# I Pilot Link
Hi Jacker EZ 6" Jack Plate
Bravo 1 FS 24 Pitch Prop
Humminbird Helix 7 SI GPS CHIRP G2 Bow
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA GPS DI G3 Console
Trick Step Boarding Steps
RMP Engine Support
Thanks guys. I thought Jackplate first, then look at props would be the way to go. I belong to a bass fishing club and a number of guys have offered their props to try once I get the a jackplate dialed in. If I can hit low to mid 60's I would be happy with that.
Also I should add that my holeshot currently with the 23p 4 blade trophy is lightning fast. I figured based on the bit of research I've done that a jackplate adjusted properly and a 24 pitch should still give me a solid holeshot and allow me a little more top end while still hitting the rpm's
Don't throw the 23" trophy away you just might end up running it.
My plan was to use the 23 4 blade on smaller lakes I fish and run a 24 or 25 for bigger lakes for longer runs. I wouldnt get rid of it. Worse case it would be a spare
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