2017 rt188 w/ 115 ProXs CT prop results

[TxBassfisher]

Picked up a loaded 2017 RT188 with the new Mercury 115 ProXs Command Thrust and 4" setback about a month and a half ago. Long story short, I purchased the laser 2 20p to put on it since that's what all the regular 4s motors were having the best results with. Shortly after, I realized that I had different gearing being it is a command thrust and nobody really has tinkered with them from what I saw but I figured I'd try out the 20p anyways since I had it and my dealer said that they'd swap the 20p out with the tempest 24p if I didn't like it. Well took it out today and WOW it was a huge difference from the aluminum factory prop. I was hitting 6100-6300rpm, holeshot vastly improved, no chine walking and really put you in the seat with no more feeling nose down. I made two long runs, first run was 52-53.5mph Gps, second was with the wind against me at 49-51mph GPS. Now I'm not big into props so I don't know what is right or wrong but I'm very happy with that over the 44-45mph GPS aluminum prop. Had full tournament load, 1/2-3/4 tank of fuel, myself at 160lbs and a buddy at 175lbs with all his gear. Had nice chop on the water but also ran on glass water back in a creek and still put out 51. Air temp was 65. I'm going to see if I can find a buddy with a 24 tempest to try out also.

[BrentR]

Wow....that's the best numbers i have heard about on this site. With hitting 6100 to 6300 rpms i don't see how you could get much more out of that motor. Thumbs up....

[TxBassfisher]

I will try to get video proof on the next outing.

[BrentR]

I will try to get video proof on the next outing.

What hole is the motor mounted in?

[tnbassin]

I am definitely interested in this. I should be getting my 2017 Ranger 188 with the Mercury 115 Command Thrust around Thanksgiving week. I hope you get the prop figured out by then so I can copy it. I would love to get those same mph readings! Please keep us informed of your progress. It is much appreciated!!!!

[kylebass91]

Was the 51 with a 20p?

[BrentR]

Was the 51 with a 20p?

That's what he said....or that's the way i read it.

[TxBassfisher]

Yes I ran 52-53gps with a laser 2 20p at 6100-6300rpm. 51 on glass and 49-50 against current and wind.

[mrc.in.wi]

Yes I ran 52-53gps with a laser 2 20p at 6100-6300rpm. 51 on glass and 49-50 against current and wind.

GPS?

[Sewerdude]

Those are some great numbers! Remember though, your factory tach isnt very accurate, when I installed the Mercmoniter Smartcraft setup, I found that my rpm's were off almost 300-350 rpm at 6300 rpm. My stock tack will read 6650-6700rpm and the Smartcraft will read 6300rpm. Other have found the same results. I asked my Merc mechanic about and he said it was very common. You got a great setup, I dont think Id change a thing.

[GeauxTide]

With those numbers, I wouldn't bother with a Tempest. The guys at Airport Marine wrung out your setup with a Tempest 24. They had the Mini Hydro plate high as it would go and trimmed out max. 49mph@6300, so a lot of prop slip. Hole shot and handling were fine. Frankly, I don't understand why they're putting CTs on a 1200# hull.

[n2ratfishin]

I agree on not seeing the big deal on the CT. I'm not sure what my 2017 boat has but it came from the Ranger dealers meeting with a 20 Laser on it. So far 49 is my best run but it was 90 degrees that day and I had a FULL load. I have no doubt it's going to bust 50 this fall or winter with cooler temps. Even with three full sized adults, I'm talking about maxing the weight capicity of the hull it still runs 42-43 mph. I'm more than satisfied with the setup. I'm not even running a jack plate at those speeds, yes they are GPS.

IMO The best part is the three of us ran all over Guntersville last weekend and still only burned ten gallons of gas. If I wanted speed I'd have kept the 20 footer and fed it fuel. This little boat is just a fishing machine.

[TxBassfisher]

Couldn't agree anymore N2ratfishin. I'm beyond happy with the boat and fishability. The only problem I've had out of it is the screws keep backing out on my total scan transducer and it throws a huge roost from it. As far as your motor, It should say the gearing on the lower unit on a little sticker and if it says 2.38, that's the CT.

[TritonTRXV8]

I thought no command thrust option on the Rangers? Sounds to me like there is a performance gain to be had. That low gear has always performed well for mercury just like the 75-90 optis did. Being able to run a tempest or fury series prop is huge those are great performers i wish i was able to run a worked tempest on mine or they made one for the standard gearcase. Great numbers that is running very well.

[BrentR]

GPS?

I re read his post and he DOES say it is with a GPS......If so that is great numbers...the best i have seen since i've been on this site.

[psubob]

I thought no command thrust option on the Rangers?

For 2017 RT 188's ranger is only offering 115's with CT and I believe hydraulic steering. Early 2017's came with the regular pro xs 4s though. Pete had broke this news over on the ranger dealer meeting thread. I've talked to ranger and they said their testing supported this move.

[TritonTRXV8]

For 2017 RT 188's ranger is only offering 115's with CT and I believe hydraulic steering. Early 2017's came with the regular pro xs 4s though. Pete had broke this news over on the ranger dealer meeting thread. I've talked to ranger and they said their testing supported this move.

Good info. I see that being a popular option. The pro xs ct would be my choice for a 115 class boat as well. I watched a few videos on this engine and it looks like it performs well and even has an aggressive sound at higher rpms and wot which I like. I really like the graphics too.

[Buggs247]

Wonder what kind of gains if any you could expect on a regular 115 4s with CT?!?

[bbarras85]

I wonder what are the costs of just the command thrust gear case.....

[TritonTRXV8]

gearcases arent cheap. Probly cost a pretty penny to do that swap.