2013 Mercury 115 Optimax

Greetings-

I am a new owner of this motor and have two questions for any of you in the know.

1. It has the stock aluminum prop. What is the best stainless for 75% holeshot increase and 25% top end increase. Its pretty much a holeshot dog now.

2. The throttle is pretty much non-responsive through the first 50-60% of engaging it. You almost become unsure if its even hooked up properly until it finally responds. Id really like it to be alot more responsive and smooth through the whole handle starting shortly after it goes in gear. Any ideas or advice on someone near Fort Worth who can help with this issue?

Thanks folks!

What boat is it on and how much does the boat weigh, boat length ?
Also what pitch is the prop now?

Its on a 2103 Tracker PT190 that weighs about 1100lbs. How can I determine the pitch? Thanks!

Here is a photo close up to the inside...

Does that help? Sorry, I just dont know much about props...

that is a 21 pitch, what are your rpm's at WOT (wide open throttle)?

I need to check it again but i remember thinking it was where i read that it should be, so probably about 5800.

You may be over propped.
According to this your would be better off with a 17" to 19" pitch on a 115hp
https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/propellers/selector/#/step-five

I don't remember if that Opti is large or small hub....I have a 17 pitch Mercury Vengeance SS prop (large hub) for sale that you could try first but it will need a Flo Torque hub to slip in it. But if you are turning 5800 rpm with that 21p you should try a 21p or a 19p SS prop, the 17p will probably hit the rev limiter......

Call Josh or Steve they will point you in the right direction.

http://www.stevescustomprops.com/

I ran a 3 blade 15 on my old 115 for pulling skiers and a 19 was the most pitch I could run and still get 5200 rpm. 17p was best all around 3 blade. This was on an old 172 Glastron.

Thanks to everyone for responding. I think I may start by consulting with Josh or Steve. If there is interest, I will post my findings.

Also, does anyone have any ideas on the throttle responsiveness issue? Thanks kindly.

I'm guessing when you get the right prop, that will be taken care of..too much prop will cause it to take for ever to get the RPMs going...

10-4 thanks kindly.

I have that same boat and motor. A friend of mine gave me a SS prop, same pitch (21) and it made a big difference. I often wondered if the aluminum flexes when you throttle down. At 5800 on GPS my runs 50mph with two guys and gear.

For some reason my response to this never posted. Thank you Topwater. Can you share which rand/model stainless prop you are using? Thank you.