196 prop advice merc 150 efi

[aquaprouts]

have a 1993 merc 150 efi on my 196...motor came equiped with a high 5 5 bladed prop @ approx 13 inch diameter...dont know pitch....finally got the tach in and my max rpm at wot is 4,750 to 4,800 rpm and running at 39 mph max trimmed out....spec for the motor is a max of 5000 to 5600 rpm...am I losing much with this prop and/or am I gaining efficiency at midrange speed running the 5 blade?  any suggestions for props should I need to change? Thank  you....capt kurt

[gran398]

Yep, you're due a prop change. She's under-revving WOT, therefore over-propped. Regardless of the number of blades.

Will make a call or two tomorrow and post back regarding what you could run.

[redemn93]

i dont know what my RPM is yet, ill know next weekend.  but im running a 3 blade, 14" or 14.5", 20 pitch prop on my 200 osprey with a carbed 150.  seems to be perfect.  planes easily even with 4 adults and 2 kids ( 2 adults and the kids way up front).  top speed around 48-49 with just me.  motor sounds like its in the sweet spot.  but like i said, ill know rpm next week after i change the voltage regulator.

[gran398]

Just spoke with our tech contact at Powertech http://www.ptprop.com/

Two options:

A four blade model OSS, 14 3/4 dia. by 19 pitch. Good stern lift given the 150.

or

A three blade model OFS, 15 1/4 dia. by 19 pitch. A good all around performer.

Both high polish stainless, either will give WOT RPM's around 5500.

[aquaprouts]

Thnx gents....funny i spoke to powertech yesterday and the guy i spoke to recommends a 14" x 21 pitch.....have got that from several dealers etc.....i have a 4 blade 15 1/4 x 16 pitch spare for my 24 pursuit that powertech says may be close....a bit bigger diam but with less pitch than the powertech recommendat u recieved...hopefully can try out tonight and will give me a better baseline than my 25 pitch 13.5 inch high 5 which seems to be an odd duck....it is for sale now if anyone looking for one .....thnx...kurt

[gran398]

Thnx gents....funny i spoke to powertech yesterday and the guy i spoke to recommends a 14" x 21 pitch.....have got that from several dealers etc.....i have a 4 blade 15 1/4 x 16 pitch spare for my 24 pursuit that powertech says may be close....a bit bigger diam but with less pitch than the powertech recommendat u recieved...hopefully can try out tonight and will give me a better baseline than my 25 pitch 13.5 inch high 5 which seems to be an odd duck....it is for sale now if anyone looking for one .....thnx...kurt

Kurt, agree, that's weird. I spoke with a gent that has worked there forever, Michael Holdsworth, and we discussed what you had. Based on previous his advice, we just went with 13 1/4 X 19P's on the twins. He pegged the max RPM's exactly where we needed them. Just for kicks and giggles, maybe call them back and see what Michael advises vis a vis his co-worker's advice?

[aquaprouts]

Got a chance to demo my 4 bladed  powertech 15 x 16 pitch on my 196....Getting to 5650 max rpm and top end of 45 mph.....I would think about right as the 4 blade sacrifices a bit at top end speed....let me know exactly what prop you are getting to 53/53 mph with....thnx....capt kurt

[redemn93]

sounds about right.  with my 150 merc, 3 blade 14" 20 pitch i was seeing 46 with the motor buried in the water.  its about right now.  should have updated speed numbers this coming weekend.  looking for 48+ hopefully.  if it breaks 50 on GPS ill be a happy man.

[Aswaff400]

when i was running my 200 osprey, with a 200hp evinrude. with a light load i would see 52-55mph no problem turning aOMC Renegade 13-1/2x23P 4 blade small hub(vents thru and over hub) with lots of rake and lots of cup and lots of bite. she'd only spin up to 5000 rpm.
http://youtu.be/j9TseYzLk3s

 after i added the jackplate, 36 volt trolling motor, and a 25 gallon livewell, i'd see 50 mph with an average load. i changed props to a OMC Renegade 14-1/2x19P 4 blade, large hub, not as much rake or cup but still had a good amount of bite. she'd spin 5500 rpm
http://youtu.be/rKissGG6IF0

i played with quite a few props on my boat, next to the renegade's, the mecury tempest performed almost the same.