Champion 206 prop recommendation

[Spidergrub]

I have a 2003 Champion 206 with a 2003 Yamaha Vmax 250 3.1L outboard. I'm getting older and don't really care so much anymore about speed as I do about handling and comfort but I do fish tournaments still so don't want to drop any lower on speed

Original prop which came with motor was Yamaha 25M. After reports of that prop slinging blades I bought a Yamaha 25T1, loved that prop and could run 72 but scared me when boat started walking so I lowered the motor down about a 1/2" and settled in high 60's. Tried 27T1 but killed the holeshot but good on top end.

25T1 eventually slung a blade. So I bought a used Solas Scorpion 25 off of here but never as happy with that prop as I was the Yamaha 25T1 but I can cruise around 62 consistently tournament loaded, was around 66 before it got dinged up. It just never seemed to have the control that the T1 had.

Of course I have upgraded all 3 batteries to 31 series over the years and added a pair of power poles.

My prop is getting a little beat up and thinking about replacing with new since I never was thrilled with Scorpion prop I have

Seems Tempest Plus 25 is always recommended for Champions but usually for Mercury Outboards

I haven't been able to find much info on the Yamaha prop

Should I get the Mercury Tempest 25 or Fury 25 or the Yamaha Performance XT? Or something else I should look at?

[sblnchrd]

26 bravo 1 xs

[21XDC]

26 bravo 1 xs

Yep....

[Spidergrub]

Ok probably dumb question but having never bought a mercury prop before, does it come with pvs plugs? If not what should I buy to try?

[21XDC]

Just buy 4 solid plugs. You might not need any, You might use 2. Target 3800-4000 rpms on holeshot.

[Spidergrub]

Thanks Mike. Once I get the prop I will raise motor back up to 3.5" prop to pad which is usually starting height for Champion boats since it says this prop likes to run high

[Spidergrub]

Question about Flo Torq Hub: I got the 835271Q2 kit, this one has a fat brass washer, castle nut and cotter pin. Do I take this to mean that with my yamaha I don't need the locking tab? Can I replace the castle nut and cotter pin with the McGuard prop lock that I have been using for years?

[21XDC]

I use the mcgard lock as well. No need for the other washer using these.

[Spidergrub]

I use the mcgard lock as well. No need for the other washer using these.

Cool, so just don't use the fat brass washer, put the thin concave, this side out, McGuard washer on there and the McGuard lock.

Need to call Rothwell Marine for prop price and a clarification as to whether PVS plugs are included, I see some pictures online that seem to show the prop coming with 4 solid and 4 medium plugs

[Spidergrub]

20200717_151156_copy_768x768.jpgOk guys I need a starting point for these solid PVS plugs having never owned a mercury prop before. Do I start with 1 hole plugged all the way around, 1 hole plugged on 2 sides, both holes 2 sides or what?

[Toby]

20200717_151156_copy_768x768.jpgOk guys I need a starting point for these solid PVS plugs having never owned a mercury prop before. Do I start with 1 hole plugged all the way around, 1 hole plugged on 2 sides, both holes 2 sides or what?

It’s alot easier to put them in on the water than it is to take them out. If you think you are definitely going to need some plugs in, I would start with 1 or 2 at the most. Plug the #2 holes in your picture.

[21XDC]

Negative... Try w/o any first. Then plug 2 solid plugs in #2 holes across from each other if you are venting over 4000 rpms on holeshot... Leave all 4 holes open in the #1.

[Spidergrub]

Got to take the boat out for test run of the new Bravo I XS 26P prop this afternoon. All I can say is wow, you guys hit this prop dead on the head. My big Champion is 1700# hull weight.

Had over 1/2 tank of fuel and 2 large men in the seats. First run with no plugs could feel the prop cavitating with a slow holeshot but moved once she got her big butt up out of the water.

Back to the dock and put two solid plugs in the prop and back out for another run.

4000 RPM hole shot and started to trim her up fast cause that big 4 blade wants to move in a hurry through the mid range. Topped out at 68.2 MPH, 6000 RPM, with 17.5 PSI water pressure. Boat corners great and will hold plane at 2400 RPM. Not very much rooster tail shooting out of the motor. I'm gonna love this prop.

I'm at 3.5" under pad so will raise the motor up another 1/4" before next trip.

Thanks for all your help guys.

[21XDC]

[Bass1980]

I know they say drop a pitch when going from 3 to 4 blades but heard Bravo's run 2 pitch less. So would the Bravo 26p be equivalent to a T1 25p? Where it would be a Fury 4 24p.

[21XDC]

Yes

[Spidergrub]

OK Mike. Filled the boat up to the top last weekend with gas, 52 gallons, and tournament loaded her for 3 days of fishing. Fairly lightweight Co Angler. Everything ran fine prefishing. Went out on tournament day and as soon as I filled the livewells I started having serious hole shot problems, taking a long time to get up and then you feel it grab and go. Do I need to do something different with these prop plugs when I'm tournament fishing with a full livewell and full of fuel?

[21XDC]

As much as I hate to say this, You might want to try a foil... At 4000 rpms it should have controlled slip... No surging. You could try and adjust the plugs... N0 less than 3500 rpms on holeshot. Depending on motor height, You might try lowering it a little.