Prop blowout on takeoff

[davidb104]

<3B011971>

I recently re-powered my 2005 Skeeter 200 TZX with a new Mercury 200 Pro XS. It's a great motor, but blows out on takeoff, and doesn't settle out until it finally gets on top at about 3,500 rpms. The prop has 3 holes for plugs, and I'm not familiar with that. My 200 HPDI was finally retired with 1,000 hours, but it always provided a great holeshot. Any suggestions on inserting plugs into the prop holes? Will that help the holeshot?

[JOE54]

new as in 4 strk new , pvs system on merc props alow for adjustments of exhaust gas relief holes plugs are avail for these to reduce amount of venting see your local dealer for these and start reducing hole sizes one at a time or try diff prop, also try propeller forum for more info on this

[SilverFox579]

Like Joe indicated if new 4-stroke things are different. There are several topics about props and setup in the 4-stroke forum. Might visit there - Mercury - 4 Stroke / Verado

[davidb104]

Thank you.

[EuropeanAM]

Moving thread to the 4-stroke forum.

If you would, take a quick peak at the Announcements at the top of the Fourstroke Forum, provide your engine's serial number, and as much of the performance info (suggested) as you can. That may help in offering useful suggestions for your question.

[DaveTTN]

The 4s motors have a lot of torque on holeshot. You can more thank likely plug all the holes with solid PVS plugs and then your prop will bite better on takeoff

[5keepers2]

Tell us about prop you are currently running .....brand.......model.......number of blades ........pitch,, Like maybe a Mercury, Fury, 3 blade, 23 pitch!

[davidb104]

The prop is a 3 blade, 22" PowerTech.

[eastenfish]

Try plugging the holes. Should help prop from slipping. Also you may need to lower jackplate. And I'm not an expert but you may need a 23 or 24 pitch prop. Just guesses without more info.

[5keepers2]

I am not familiar with Power tech props. The pitch on your prop sounds close to me. If Powertech is a small bore prop like a Mercury Trophy plus then I bet you will need cavitation ring as well as plug the 3 holes. Also make sure jack plate is not set to high.

[moymurfs]

Is your prop bore sleeve securely in place? (If that motor requires one)

[davidb104]

Thanks for the suggestions, and please continue. The jackplate was unchanged from where it was with the Yamaha, and that motor performed great. It was just past time to retire it. After the first time out with the Merc, I lowered the jackplate about 3/4", and didn't notice any improvement. I've now plugged the holes in the prop, and will report after I've had a chance to test it.

[davidb104]

Today was the first time out after plugging the holes in the prop. It made a noticeable improvement, but still doesn't pop out of the hole like the Yamaha did, and revs up considerably more to get on top. I should have mentioned that the Skeeter has a 12" jackplate.

[2500]

Today was the first time out after plugging the holes in the prop. It made a noticeable improvement, but still doesn't pop out of the hole like the Yamaha did, and revs up considerably more to get on top. I should have mentioned that the Skeeter has a 12" jackplate.

Now go back up to original plate setting. You may be to small of pitch

[5keepers2]

I am thinking you will need Jackplate set as high as you can and not loose water pressure when you trim up. Also if you have a buddy or a place that will let you try a Mercury Fury 23 pitch I think it would be worth your time. 3 or 4 blade which ever you can find.

[davidb104]

Please educate me. Raising the jackplate will help with holeshot? I would have thought the opposite.

[EuropeanAM]

Moving thread to the 4-stroke forum.

If you would, take a quick peak at the Announcements at the top of the Fourstroke Forum, provide your engine's serial number, and as much of the performance info (suggested) as you can. That may help in offering useful suggestions for your question.

Perhaps I missed it- but it would really help if you would look at the Announcements at the top of the Forum, Provide the REQUIRED info, and as much of the Performance Data info suggested as you can.

Can't really compare the setup of this engine to your old Yamaha. Two completely different engines, and depending on your serial number, substantially a HUGE difference in gearcase and running height setup.

Additionally- you will probably find utilizing one of the better Mercury Bass-Market propellers will be of benefit.

[davidb104]

Thank you for the reminder. I do not have some of the information requested; however, I'll supply what I have. The engine is new, a 2021 Mercury 200 Pro XS, Serial # 3B011971. The prop is a PowerTech 3 blade, 23 pitch. I have now plugged all 3 holes and the holeshot is improved, but still
lagging.

The boat is a 19+ ft. Skeeter 200 TZX, with a 12" manual jackplate. The engine idles perfectly at 800-1,000 rpms on analog gauges. I have not run it wide open, and may never. I rarely ran the Yamaha at over 4,500 rpms, which was fast enough for me at appr. 50 mph on GPS.

[EuropeanAM]

Really do need to wind that thing out to WOT at least once, so that WOT RPM's can be determined (of course you'll need some form of Smartcraft Instrument to have a viable reading).

Dealer should have verified it was reaching WOT position when they did the PDI for you.

Prop wise... I would be trying a Fury or Tempest Plus (22P or 23P) as a good starting-point prop.

[davidb104]

Thank you. I lowered the jackplate about 3/4" when I had the problem with the holeshot. 2500 suggested that I move it back to its original position.
Please offer your opinion on raising or lowering the jackplate, and its effect on holeshot.