I'm a tinkerer and no one else on here has posted anything regarding the AVX 1880/Mercury Pro XS Command Thrust 115hp set-up so I will be the first. First let me say that I don't claim to be intelligent on the subject of setting a jackplate/engine combo up. But I have read a but about it and want to learn.
I bought the boat and did the initial 2 hour break in as it came from the factory. Prop was 6.5" below pad. (All measurements were taken by leveling the boat, measuring the pad height from the floor and subtracting the distance of the centerline of the prop with the cavitation plate level)
After initial 2 hours and I was able to run short distances at WOT, RPMs were 5800 at 57 mph gps with full tank, full livewells, myself, 2 kids, and all my gear all with a 13 X 31 23 pitch Tempepst Plus. The lower unit gear ratio is 2.38:1
I set the jackplate to 3.5 " below pad and at WOT the rpms were easily 6300 (redline for this engine) and still at 48 mph gps with just over 1/2 tank, full live wells, myself, and 2 kids. Water pressure was 30 psi or better.
Set the jackplate back down to 4.5" with same as last load and at WOT the rpms are 6200 at 50.5 mph gps. Only difference is that the kids are not with me now.
I know the loads differed a bit with 2 younger kids out of the boat on the last run, but it seems I have no problem getting the rpms I need by adjusting the jackpkate up and maintaining water pressure. Would blueprinting the prop help? Is it worth it? Should I do anything else at all to the prop or leave it factory? I plan on running 1/2 of fuel or less at all times as this motor slips it. I'll never need a full tank in a day for anything.
Suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Jeremy