Prop Suggestions for 18TRX

[got2fish]

I have a 2021 18TRX with Mercury 200 Pro XS-4S and hydraulic jackplate. The engine has approximately 10hrs on it now and nearly finished with the break-in. My best run so far has been 64-65 mph at 5200-5400 rpms with normal load in the boat. It runs 64 mph pretty consistently. The current prop is a 24 tempest. I am thinking this prop is wrong for this boat based on these numbers. I am considering changing to a 22 tempest or a 23 Bravo 1 FS given the current numbers (leaning more toward the Bravo 1 FS). These props are also based on the Mercury prop calculator that suggested the ideal pitch is 22. Dropping 2 prop sizes seems like a big jump and makes me nervous about what I should expect for results. Has anyone tried either of these two props on an 18TRX with the 4S? If so, what speeds and rpm range did you see? I am not really trying make this the fastest 18TRX, just thinking there is still better all around performance to get out of it than what I have now. I appreciate any feedback you may have.

[DaveTTN]

I ran a 22 tempest plus on mine 90% of the time at 6000-6200 rpm and 68-70 mph. I ran a 23 tempest plus in winter around 5800-5900 and same speeds. The two choices you have listed would be a smart move. Some guys also running a 24 Bravo. There is a lot of information on here we have shared chasing the same thing you are.

[DaveTTN]

Also best prop to pad for me was at 2.75” below pad.

[got2fish]

Thank you for the help. It sounds like I’m on the right track. My feeling of the boat is that it may benefit from a 4-blade prop. It has no problem getting the bow to lift with the tempest.

[1Holeshot]

I have the same rig and mine runs good with a Bravo FS 24 P all holes plugged and a 22P Tempest Plus all holes plugged.

[got2fish]

I have the same rig and mine runs good with a Bravo FS 24 P all holes plugged and a 22P Tempest Plus all holes plugged.

What rpm do you see at WOT with the 24 Bravo 1 FS?

[1Holeshot]

Cool weather one person 1/2 tank of fuel 6000. Two people and tournament gear 5900.

[TritonTRXV8]

Same exact numbers as im seeing with the 24p bravo i run. Very nice all around setup. Handles great insane holeshot and carries the hull nicely. Ive seen 71 light load a couple times will run consistantly 68-69 with my dad and i full gear and gas. Im good with that.

[thommo59]

Have you guys, Roy & Gary, both got TM lower units? What about you Gary? It seems most have the 1.85 ration lower unit now and not the 1.75 TM. I have had my software settings checked 4 times, and no matter what I do, 5700 is absolute best with the 24 Bravo. Roy’s slip is around 10% as is mine and our set ups are almost identical

[1Holeshot]

My 200 Pro XS has a Torque Master with 1.75 ratio.

My dash analog tachometer and my Vessel View are in agreement on rpms.

[TritonTRXV8]

I have a torquemaster as well. I also have a hydraulic jp so i can adjust that on the fly to i end up about 2.75” below pad approx if i have it really aired out and getting top speed. It seems to hit 6000 rpms pretty easy with the 23p bravo i was on the limiter. A boat this size with a 200 if you can run 69-71 and get in the upper range of the rpm rating thats about all you can ask for for a well rounded setup. I dont mind not being at 6200 rpms because it keeps my cruising rpms down a little bit which is a plus to me and still doesnt hurt the motor at all.

[thommo59]

I have a torquemaster as well. I also have a hydraulic jp so i can adjust that on the fly to i end up about 2.75” below pad approx if i have it really aired out and getting top speed. It seems to hit 6000 rpms pretty easy with the 23p bravo i was on the limiter. A boat this size with a 200 if you can run 69-71 and get in the upper range of the rpm rating thats about all you can ask for for a well rounded setup. I dont mind not being at 6200 rpms because it keeps my cruising rpms down a little bit which is a plus to me and still doesnt hurt the motor at all.

Yer i agree mate, it is a 70mph boat /motor combo, something is holding my engine back, it's been 12 months of dealers not believing me and the standard answer is, just buy another smaller prop, it's more than annoying and frustrating. I will eventually work it out.