I own a 2001 ranger R91 with 2001 200hp Merc EFI. I have not yet messed with the set up yet, however I am not impressed with the speed I am getting out of it. Currently I can top out at 58mph @5400 RPM with two people, gear, and half tank of fuel. I can get about 61mph with a light load, and just myself in the boat. Anyone with experience with the R91 have any suggestions for the proper prop, or set up for this hull? Thanks
Buddy of mine has one and runs a 23 Tempest. You didn't say what prop you're currently running, but your RPM's are a little low, so I'm guessing you need to drop down in pitch. Should be running that motor closer to 5800 at wot.
You should be running a 25" tempest with a six inch plate and run in the upper 60's.
The prop is a 4 blade 25 trophy plus. I just checked the prop to pad height and it seems to be almost 4.5 inches below pad... Seems a bit low. Should I raise it?
Also the boat while trimming up has a tendency to suddenly kick out from the stern while accelerating. You can tell when it is going to happen because the steering gets very tough just before. After it kicks out briefly and straightens back out the steering loosens up. What could cause that?
Running a jackplate? if so what Inch? The R series VS boats really benefit from a jackplate even with the built in setback
You need a 6" plate on it to raise it. If you don't have a plate 4.5" to 4.25" is where it will run. A known good 25" tempest will add 100-150 rpm's to your top rpm's gaining you some speed. From what your saying you may have the motor mounted too high right now and if it is you may throw a blade on that trophy.
yes there is a manual jack plate on the boat
It is a 6 inch jack plate
raise it to 3.5 below the pad, 25 pitch tempest works really good on that combo
minimum 3.5 24 fury or 25 tempest I have had my best overall results on my R boat w a Fury 4
Thanks! Just ordered a 25 Tempest. I will be able to raise the motor up and get it on the water soon. I will let you guys know the results.
Get the prop that will turn your engine at 5800 RPMs WOT. On my R91 I turn a 25 pitch Tempest plus. Around 68 mph gps. With a 6 inch jack plate
It's going to run at 3.5" or 3.25" under
25" Tempest + (may need tweaking), 6" plate, Pad to c/l prop shaft 3 1/2" to 3 1/4", 67-68 mph at 5800 rpms. Due to the plastic bearing cages that Merc installed you want to keep the rpms under 5900 if you plan on running this motor for any length of time.
Nothing but the truth in this statement. 100%Originally Posted by Tom Rollins
Do you know what year Mercury engines used the plastic bearing cages? And where are they located in the engine? I just picked up a used 1998 Ranger R91-I with a 1998 Mercury 200 EFI.
I have same boat and motor combo, I run a 24 raker 2 at 3.25 ptp on a 6 inch plate, full load I get 67 gps, I have tried every prop out there other than a fury 4 and the raker2 has been the best combo, holeshot/top end.
The '98 Merc EFI has plastic rod bearing cages.
Thanks Tom. My power head was rebuilt about seven years ago. Is it possible or likely the bearings were replaced with steel cage bearings? Are they available? Or are the plastic cage bearings the only replacement available. The previous owner said the engine ran identical before the failure compared to after the overhaul. I used to drag race with the business owner that did the overhaul, he'll give me the straight scoop on the engine work he did. I'll call the business that did the work.
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