2000 Pantera Classic 200 Merc 2.5L Set-up Questions

[Eck74]

Hi, so I am new to adjusting my setup. My last boat was great and never even thought about this (Skeeter ZX202C with 200 Yamaha ran 62 and fast and flat hole shot, which I was happy with). So I may need some explaining as we go.

I have a 2000 Bass Cat Pantera Classic with the 2.5L Mercury 200 EFI. I have OK holeshot and low top end. I fish big water (Sturgeon Bay) often and and I need a fast holeshot and good control more than top end (but my 55 seems slow). I bought the boat only 3 weeks ago. Gave it fresh plugs and lower unit oil, and have ran it 3 times.

6" CMC Power Lift manual jack plate
Prop to pad 4 1/4 inches
RPM 4100 at 55mph (possible tach isn't dead on?)
The prop is a 4 blade ss power tech RJC (precursor to the TRO) 13.75 x 21 pitch
3/4 fuel in each tank
2 guys - 550lbs
live wells empty
3 batteries
tourny load tackle

Where do I start with this?
My thoughts: need to find prop pitch, adjust p2p height, maybe change props.

[Ben Danbleume]

Try a 24 Tempest at 3.5 under to start, if you can borrow one. My 96 Classic/200 EFI turns either a 25 Tempest or Trophy to 5800 at 69+

[Eck74]

I just heard back from Power Tech. I sent them a pic of the serial number and they told me I have a 13.75 x 21 pitch prop. Model code RJC which was only made for a short time replaced by the TRO4 they have now.

I will see if I can find a Tempest or Trophy to try.

[mdtritn21]

A 25 Trophy runs well on that boat and you have a hole shot turd for a motor but it should be okay with that light hull. If the motor is running right it should turn that 21" prop to 6000 rpm's on that hull easy so I's say it's off since it would have to be turning 5500 to get 55 mph.

[jarhead175]

Tach has to be way way way off. A 21p on your motor should be on the rev limiter quickly I would look at it before you try other props so you know the info is correct.

Or your motor has a problem.......

[Eck74]

Thanks for the replies. I will see how I can calibrate the tach on this. I did bring the engine up from 4 1/4 to 3 1/2 p2p. Everything I have seen with this boat/motor says 4 1/4 was way too low.

[Tom Rollins]

Replace the tach before you wind up replacing the powerhead.