finding the right prop for my 1990 procraft family fisher 180. with mercury mariner

[procraft1990]

1990 procraft family fisher 180
1990 mercury mariner magnum 2 150 HP 2.4 L
This motor has the 1.78 lower gear case so i need to run a small hub prop.
currently i am running a 13.5 X 24 p laser 2 at 5150 rpm @ 49-50 mph when trimmed correctly.
I have read so many threads about this engine and the XR4 that says they can run up to 6000 rpms however the peak performance is at 5600-5800 rpm and then it drops off slightly after 5800.
I bought the boat with a 22 pitch high 5. ( no business being on there) and was spinning around 5450 at 47 mph.
so i have both of these props and am needing the right one, at first i looked into getting the laser 2 because my boat is relatively light 1200 pounds or so and i knew the even sized pitch numbers would be proportional for my smaller hub. My main question is should i be looking for another 20 or 22 pitch laser 2 or should i try to abandon that plan and look for a small hub tempest, trophy or something that will preform better at top end and possibly more bow lift.
Do they make 13.5 X 22 or 13.5 X 23 in another prop i should be looking at? looking to gain top end speed.

thanks for the help. luke

[21XDC]

No such prop as a small hub tempest... I suggest you try a 21P trophy plus.

[Rip Bass]

+1 on the Trophy and a 6" jack plate if you want to fine tune it.

[21XDC]

1200lbs is not actually light.... My 22ft boat weighs that.

[procraft1990]

+1 on the Trophy and a 6" jack plate if you want to fine tune it.

forgot to mention I have a 6 inch jackplate on the boat already. the trophy is a 13.75X 21 wont that be too big for my small hub. thought I had to stay under 13.5 inch diameter. Yeah I guess you are correct ole procraft isn't as light as I thought. I was considering going with a 22p laser 2 but that prop is for lighter boats and wouldn't provide as much lift as trophy would. If I can run the 13.75 X21 trophy on my motor that is what I will try. As long as its small hub I guess I'm good. thanks.

[21XDC]

[procraft1990]

the trophy is a four blade prop. correct?

[21XDC]

Yes... Dont buy a used, molested, poorly repaired prop... It should lift, handle, holeshot, accelerate great, But might not gain any speed.

[Rip Bass]

Trophy is a four blade and will fit your
engine. You might have to cut off the torque tab under the anti-cavitation plate if the prop blades hit it,you don't need it anyway.

[procraft1990]

[QUOTE=21XDC;8226843]Yes... Dont buy a used, molested, poorly repaired prop... It should lift, handle, holeshot, accelerate great, But might not gain any speed.[/QUO I am trying to achieve top speed. I have never had an issue getting on plane since i have the smaller hub. every prop i have used has been great for jumping on plane. I understand the trophy plus would be great for making tight turns and stable driving as long as good hull shot but my main concern is top speed. 22 laser 2 vs 21 trophy. what will give me the best top speed?

[21XDC]

It's hard to say.... I dont like the Laser2 for motors over 115 hp or boats longer than 17ft... Not saying it wont be faster on your rig, But 1 mph is worth less of everything else? What will 1 mph do for you?

[procraft1990]

you are right no one will really know how my motor and hull will like the prop until i try it out. and 1 mph is for the birds. just looking for the best prop for my boat, i still haven't seen more then 52 out of her and would like to be at least mid to upper 50s. would there be a comparable 3 blade prop to the laser 2 that works with a smaller hub? mercury mirage possibly?

[21XDC]

Mirage has a large barrel and wont fit... The Turbo1 may be a runner for you... https://www.turbo-props.com/products...eries_t1s.html

[procraft1990]

i think ill look for a 21 trophy. thanks for all the help. i know you said don't buy an abused used one, but what if i found a decent used prop with minimal wear and then had it worked by mark.

also i just went out and measured and the center of my hub is 4 inches under pad. i have heard it needs to be 2.5- 3 inches below pad. do you think my engine is too high. ive read these motors run best when trimmed up a good amount. mine runs best when im trimmed up all the way and throwing a rooster tail. Should i lower my engine say half an inch to an inch. again im not having any problems getting on plane and im simply looking to tune my motor for better top end speed through my prop and jack plate setup.

[procraft1990]

[21XDC]

Every propeller runs best at different heights depending on lower unit, jackplate setback, load, hull, etc... The goal is to run it as high as you can, While maintaining safe water pressure, plenty of bow lift and speed. Keep raising until one is lost and lower it back some.