181 champion prop help

[LCfishing18]

hi all, i bought a 98 181 last year has a 150 efi merc turning a 23p tempest. I've read that this prop is the ideal set up for this boat my prop to pad is roughly 3.5" and i am only getting 56-58 at 5200 rpm wont turn greater then 5200 rpm, threw on a 21 tempest and got 5600 rpm but no speed increase only got 55-56.these speeds and rpm readings are at full throttle and a tournament load. everything I've read is this merc should be turning the 23p around 56-5800 rpm. i haven't had the motor checked by a mechanic but i haven't had any issues with this and the motor runs great. just trying to figure out why I'm only getting 5200 rpm with the 23p, id like to hit the 60mph range people say this boat and motor are capable of. any help is greatly appreciated, thank you

new to the faster boats my last boat was a 16ft skeeter max speed of 38 just grip it and rip it so i never had to adjust anything so I'm new to all this. again thanks in advance for the help guys!

[STLBassBuster]

What condition is the prop in?

[LCfishing18]

prop is in good condition doesn't look bent or beat up but my prop hub was basically shredded so i ordered a new one and will see if that helps any.

[pastormark]

Send it to Croxton Props and have him work it and balance you will be amazed at what that 23 will do?

[11pounder]

Silly question, but you are trimming the motor up when running right?

[LCfishing18]

yes i am trimming it up when running. when i get into the "sweet spot" you can feel the boat almost take off or at least it feels that way but still only 5200rpm and an average speed of 56-57 mph trim it any higher and i lose speed as its trimmed to high. i just want to figure out how these guys are getting low to mid 60s with this setup lol :).

[LCfishing18]

will do, everything I've read says that the 23 is the prop i need and even being a 23p my hole shot is still amazing jumps right on pad almost instantly but i cant seem to get the top end everyone says these boats are capable of.

[kris_tx]

Need to check motor and make sure it is getting wot. Also check fuel lines and maintenance items on motor.

[jp71291]

I now everyone says a 23 tempest for this boat but I always got faster speeds out of a 4 blade. So did a buddy. If you can put your hands on a 4 blade 24 pitch I would sure try it.

[ewop304]

my experience, you need a 6" jackplate to hit the 60mph range on the 181s

[smokewagon]

hi all, i bought a 98 181 last year has a 150 efi merc turning a 23p tempest. I've read that this prop is the ideal set up for this boat my prop to pad is roughly 3.5" and i am only getting 56-58 at 5200 rpm wont turn greater then 5200 rpm, threw on a 21 tempest and got 5600 rpm but no speed increase only got 55-56.these speeds and rpm readings are at full throttle and a tournament load. everything I've read is this merc should be turning the 23p around 56-5800 rpm. i haven't had the motor checked by a mechanic but i haven't had any issues with this and the motor runs great. just trying to figure out why I'm only getting 5200 rpm with the 23p, id like to hit the 60mph range people say this boat and motor are capable of. any help is greatly appreciated, thank you

new to the faster boats my last boat was a 16ft skeeter max speed of 38 just grip it and rip it so i never had to adjust anything so I'm new to all this. again thanks in advance for the help guys!

Check your prop to pad height again. Make sure you're able to get wide open throttle, especially if you have a hot foot.

[flashnyellow]

When I had my 181DC I ran a Yamaha 23M prop.

Specs below:


1995 181DC - 1995 Mercury 150 XRi - 6" manual jack plate - 3 5/8" prop to pad

Gas - full
Fishing gear
2 people in boat

60 mph gps
5800 rpm
Yamaha 23M prop

[ksubasser24]

I had a 95 181 with 150 xr6. 3.25” PTP turning a 23p tempest with a 6” plate. Boat would run 62-63 everyday of the week turning 5800 RPM. Check to make sure you’re getting full throttle. You could weigh it and see if boat may be carrying some water weight.