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  1. #1
    Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    2017 RT188 Lithiums and lost top speed!

    So I have a 2017 RT188 with a SHO115 and was getting mid 40s with the boat prior to lithium install and now I'm in the high 30s. Before I go throwing money at it I was hoping to get a idea of where to start. Running the factory 19-k prop with no jack plate. I appreciate any feedback.

  2. Member 06 SB's Avatar
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    Feb 2012
    Location
    West Point Lake, GA
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    10,984
    #2
    Removing weight from the aft of the boat will slow you down. Redo your load, move heavier stuff to the rear as much as possible, add a jackplate, or raise motor, change prop are all things you can do.

    USN Retired
    2020 Basscat Caracal
    2020 Mercury 225 ProXS 4s



  3. Member
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    Apr 2019
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    Minnesota
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    23
    #3
    I run all lithiums on my 2017 rt188 and gained back about 2mph. Still running high 40s to low 50s depend on load and wind.

  4. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #4
    I'll try some weight management, and see it that helps. Thanks for the info. I was ok with the speed prior and if I can get back there things would be good.

  5. Member
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    Apr 2019
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    Minnesota
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    #5
    I am running the lithiums with dual 8’ talons also if that matters.

  6. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #6
    Sounds like a nice set up Newjay

  7. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #7
    Anyone running a Powertech NRS3 20p or 19p? I see there are some running the 18p with the f115.

  8. Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Danville, PA
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    983
    #8
    I'm running an NRS3 18 on my SHO.
    2016 Ranger RT188, Yamaha 115 sho, dual console, 80# Ultrex, hotfoot, networked HB Solix 10 & Helix 9, Mega 360. Powertech NRS3 18p, Atlas 4" jack plate.

  9. Member
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    Mar 2020
    Location
    Tallahassee FL
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    #9
    I’m running a Yamaha 20p on mine. I gained a way better holeshot switching to lithium’s maybe gained 1mph. Was running 46-50 depending on load already.

  10. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #10
    So I placed a order for a nrs3 19p, I'll update with the results. Unfortunately they are backed up about a month.

  11. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Pelham, AL
    Posts
    2,151
    #11
    My boat runs fantastic with a 4 Blade at hole #3.
    2015 Ranger RT188 DC; BassCat Storage Box; Mercury Optimax 115ProXS;
    19" Spitfire X7; Vessel View Mobile; Minn Kota Ultrex 80; GForce Handle;
    TM Eliminator; Helix 7 G2N SI Combo F/R; HydroWave KVD; BBT 4" Angled Bow Mount; Durasafe Locks for Electronics and Ultrex;
    Twist Step Boarding Ladder; EZEE Step ES1; BAC RAC Rod Storage; Motor Mate Transom Saver

  12. Member
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Central Wa
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    129
    #12
    So went out and ran the NRS3 19p today. 42mph at 6200RPM. Hole shot was good, but obviously its not the correct prop. I reached out to them about swapping to a 20P. Plenty of lift through mid throttle, but at 3/4 and up the bow drops and plows through all the trim I have. Any suggestions?

  13. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #13
    I did try and get as much weight to the rear.

  14. Member
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    Jan 2020
    Location
    South Point OH
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    #14
    Put lead acid batteries back in.

  15. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #15
    I would rather have a 40mph boat then go back to lead acid.

  16. Member
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    Jan 2020
    Location
    South Point OH
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    #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Ellison View Post
    I would rather have a 40mph boat then go back to lead acid.
    Not me.

  17. Member
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    May 2014
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    Central Wa
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    #17
    I went up one bolt hole and will run it tomorrow. Going to try a turning point 19p tomorrow also.

  18. Member
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    May 2014
    Location
    Central Wa
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    #18
    Raised the motor up a hole on the outboard and hit 44 with the TP hustler 19p. Its getting there. I was surprised at how well that prop did. Going to try a 21p next. Hope this helps someone in the future.

  19. Member
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    Dec 2005
    Location
    Panama City
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    2,163
    #19
    I purchased my 2015 RT 188 about 1.5 years ago (115 Pro XS - 2 stroke). Came with a 21p and ran 43-44 mph, but I wanted more. Purchased a 20p, really no difference in speed (not worth $450 for a new prop). Then added a 6" jack plate (a few hundred more). Played with raising / lowering, etc... Still 43-44 mph. But the boat does handle better with the 21p. SO, 43-44 mph it is. Not going to keep spending money to get a couple more miles per hour. If you read over time on here that's around what most of these boats do. Some say they get upper 40's to 50mph. If I new I could get 50 then yes I might spend a bit more $ on it but those are few. Good luck!!!


    Have a good one and thank God for it!