Repowering - Looking for Prop Recommendations

[CPA Basser]

I have a XB-21 BasSport Pro with twin power poles. I keep the boat loaded every trip. I have a 36V trolling motor and currently have 4 AGM batteries. I am repowering with a Mercury 250R 4 stroke with 1.75 gears. I want a prop with very good hole shot, very good handling, and the best top-end speed that I can get after satisfying the hole shot and handling requirements. Would the Max 5 ST be a good choice? If so, what pitch? Appreciate any input.

[Tim Powell]

I am sure I will get stoned for suggesting this, but after spending some time testing the Pro XS w/ TM on a new XB-21, I am not so sure I wouldnt go with a Pro XS TM over the R SM. I have setup several with dual bow units and dual poles and all have ran best with a 28 M5 but its a 84 mph setup. In the heat of the summer ive seen them drop to 78-80.

Now remove the poles and I will take the 250R all day long. My last 250 Pro XS was running 86 with 2 people (500lbs), Ultrex, and 200lbs of lead batteries.

[CPA Basser]

Very interesting. My top end speed right now is 83.6, running a 28 Bravo 1 FS. It sounds like I would get an improved hole shot from the 4-stroke but should not expect any significant difference in top end speed. No concerns about running the TM lower unit over 80 mph?

[CPA Basser]

I am sure I will get stoned for suggesting this, but after spending some time testing the Pro XS w/ TM on a new XB-21, I am not so sure I wouldnt go with a Pro XS TM over the R SM. I have setup several with dual bow units and dual poles and all have ran best with a 28 M5 but its a 84 mph setup. In the heat of the summer ive seen them drop to 78-80.

Now remove the poles and I will take the 250R all day long. My last 250 Pro XS was running 86 with 2 people (500lbs), Ultrex, and 200lbs of lead batteries.

I assume you would recommend a 30 M5 if I decided on a 300R. From what I have read about the M5 prop, I assume the hole shot would still be very good with the 30 M5 and the 300R.

[tritontr21]

With the load you are carrying I think a 30M5 should work well. I have ran the 31M5, 32M5, as well as the 31 and 32ST versions on mine. I do not have poles and only carry a 24v troller. My thoughts are the M5 with the longer tube will carry the boat better with the poles.

[CPA Basser]

With the load you are carrying I think a 30M5 should work well. I have ran the 31M5, 32M5, as well as the 31 and 32ST versions on mine. I do not have poles and only carry a 24v troller. My thoughts are the M5 with the longer tube will carry the boat better with the poles.

I currently have 2.5" spacers, a 5.5" CMC jack plate, and wedges. Is this setback likely to perform well with the new motor and prop? Thanks!