So my 1998 ranger 461vs had an evinrude ficht 175 that hit 6000 rpm 70-72mph when new with 4 blade 25 pitch prop. No hot foot with either. Put on brand new merc 4 stroke 175 and at 60-61mph 6000 rpm with a 21 pitch 3 blade. What in world is going on? Ranger is 17’10”.
Your slip is kinda high at 11, but even if 7, that's only 63.
My numbers, 1999 462vs with a 2021 yamaha 175 sho with no jack plate , 5850 rpm , 21 x 14 1/2" prop at 59-61 mph full load.
Sorry I meant a 1999 461vs. Thanks for running numbers but it’s a 461 not 462 and a merc not Yamaha, not sure if that makes a difference. However I find it hard to believe a 22 year old ficht pushed same boat 12mph faster. 175 should push a 17’10” ranger faster than 60.
I thought the 461 is 18' 9"?Originally Posted by Skeeterzx19
It is. I'm thinking low 60s is more realistic. The Fichts were strong motors but 72?
You added weight, lost a blade and lost pitch. Three good reasons to see a reduction in speed. What diameter on the 4 blade 25? Any difference in lift? A Ranger runs best with its nose up.
According to ranger specs the 461 and 462 are both 18' 9" the only difference is the 462 is a dual console.
I run an R83VS, which is the same length (18'9") with a 175 Merc EFI and a 25 pitch 3-blade and have gotten as high as 67mph by myself with 3/4 tank of gas. As said, losing a blade and that much pitch plus adding the extra weight of the 4-stroke would cause you to lose speed.
You are right....18'9". My bad....its my dad's ranger and Im helping him out....
Wouldn't a 175HP push a 18'9" ranger boat faster then 60? If a 22 year old Ficht hits 70-72 I would think a 2020 Merc would be close. Someone mentioned that maybe the throttle is not achieving 100% demand linear which could explain as well...its heading to the dealer this spring but wondering what else could be.
I have a ‘99 461 with a 175 pro xs 2 stroke running a 25 tempest plus. I have got it up to 63-64 but I have never tried maxing it out. I think 70-72 sounds high to me for the ficht. We’re you running it or is this what your dad told you he could run it at?
I have a 1995 481v with a 1995 Fast Strike 175hp, 6” Jack plate, 4blade prop.. with 2 people and light gear, half full tanks I’ve never had it faster than 56mph wot.. the original owner said it used to go low 70s with it and by himself mid to high 60s. So I expect the 461vs would have the same speeds as well. My 481v is a bit smaller and lighter than the 461vs so I’m not sure if my low speeds is an engine problem or setup issue. I don’t mind my lower speeds cause I’m only fishing very small club tournaments and small lakes but I just want it set up properly
1995 Ranger 481v
1995 Johnson Fast Strike 175hp
The older FICHT's are strong running engines. I think there is sometimes a misconception that a new 175HP will run so much faster than an older 175hp but in fact they are the same HP. My guess would be that the FICHT is considerably lighter so that might be a factor. I would guess that the 4s would have a better hole shot and get to top end quicker but not necessarily faster but in this case there is huge difference in speed. I had a 98 Ranger 518DVS with 175 FICHT and it would run 64gps with just me consistently with a Croxton B&B 3 blade 24p Raker. 72 sounds lofty and if he was going by the speedo it might have read that and the new Merc gauge is just considerably more accurate. I think once propped correctly and verifying that it is reaching full throttle that the Merc will run 64-66gps on its best days.
2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2
Was gonna say 72 is up there with 518 paired with 200 pro xs...??? The low 60's sounds bout right..
Where these GPS speeds or what the supplied speedometer said?
I had a 97’ 461 and did everything you can to squeeze more speed out of it. It was a 62-63mph boat best case.
~Matt Miller
23’ Phoenix 21 PHX - 250 ProXS
Tried a bunch with mine...low 60's is the average top end for a 461.
2000 Ranger 518vx
2015 200 Yamaha SHO
I owned a 1997 461v with a 175 EFI Merc. With no jackplate and a 25" Tempest, 67-68 MPH with just me and 64-65 with full tournament load and two people. Holeshot was strong.
I suspect that the right prop is a 23" Tempest or a 23" three blade Fury. Four blade props just don't seem to bring the optimal performance out of a Rangers. I have owed seven Rangers and always end up with a three blade Tempest or Fury.
Reply With Quote