Ranger 520C / Merc Pro XS Opti Max Prop Questions

[RngrPilot]

I have a 2018 Ranger 520C with a 2018 Merc Pro XS Optimax 250HP 2 stroke outboad. Prop is a Tempest Plus 25p with all of the vent holes open / no plugs. Prop is in excellent condition with no dings at all; still looks new. Top end (gps) is 70.7 mph at 5850 rpm in 85 degree water and 90 degree air temp. I run 4 lead acid batteries. The prop shaft is about 3" - 3.5" below the bottom of the hull. I did have to adjust my manual jack plate to move it up over 1.5" after I purchased (pre owned). Hole shot was really bad and it walked terribly starting at about 63-64 mph when I first bought this rig.

With just me (about 215 lbs), full fuel tank (40 gal), all my fishing gear (a lot), hole shot is acceptable; not awesome but acceptable. If I add a fishing partner (200ish lbs) and a full livewell, hole shot is really slow with a lot of bow rise. I don't have any blowout / cavitation on hole shot, it is more like it gets bogged down coming out of the hole with a lot of weight in the boat.

I would like to improve loaded down hole shot without giving up too much top end. In reality, I rarely run WOT. Is the Fury 4 blade 25p the prop that I need to be looking at?

Would I gain anything moving my outboard up another 1/4 - 1/2"?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[mactlman]

need accurate ptp as 1/4 matters at times! moving plate up 1/4" and retry maybe and 1/4 more if that is fine might help 3 below about as high as you want likely. does engine rev up to 3500-3800 on holeshot fully tucked under? a 24p might be better with all the heat and humidity you have. bravo1 xs or razor xlr? know anyone with a 24p 4 blade you can try/borrow?

[RngrPilot]

I’ll have to pay closer attention to rpm coming out of hole shot, but I’m pretty sure it will get to 3500-3800 with engine tucked in, once out of the hole. It’s just slow getting there when loaded. I will re measure my prop shaft to pad.
Thank you

[mactlman]

Engine running properly?

[RngrPilot]

Yes. Engine runs great. Had it serviced about 20-30 hours ago. New plugs installed.

[bass.man65]

I would be looking for a 25 Bravo XS, Definitely would stay away from a Fury 3 or 4 blade

[RngrPilot]

I'm curious why you say to stay away from the Fury 3 or 4 blade props. There is so much conflicting info out there it is hard to wrap my head around which prop is best for my setup.
Also, why the Bravo XS? Can you list the reasons you recommend the Bravo XS? I'm not doubting you, I'm asking because I am wanting to increase my understanding.
Thanks for your input.

[mactlman]

fury 3 fine, if ran deep, but has low bow lift on heavy boats - the fury 4 is prone to throwing a blade--the bravo1 xs is like a fs but with 8 pvs holes and a little shorter barrel (maybe, believe I read that?) for less stern lift?

[dblume]

I've got the same boat and motor. I went lithium so I'm about 250 lbs lighter which dropped my nose. I run the 25 Tempest plus or a 25 Fury three blade. Both run great. On the Fury I had extra vent holes drilled and it made a huge differnce. The Tempest run s great as is.