I have a 1996 Ranger 487VS with Merc 200 EFI, no JP yet. I am currently running a 4 blade stainless 26p, but I think it has been worked before and only has a diameter of 13 1/2. Prop shaft is 3" below the pad (assuming I did it right). It is running 5500-5700 RPMs at WOT and that is right at 59 mph. I think it can do better than that, any suggestions? Thanks.

only suggestion I have is talk to Steve.. check your shaft height by his method on this website

www.stevescustomprops.com

Talk to Steve about getting a jack plate, and about your prop he does both and will have that boat set up better than new

I think your asking too much out of a heavy boat. I have had several early to mid 90`s Rangers and the are heavy hulls made for stable ride. Mid to upper 50`s is good for hot weather and fishing load. Wait until cooler weather and she will run faster.

i do an 8" jack plate and a 25p tempest.

set it at 3.25" below pad and let er rip!!

I think your about right. It will be faster in cooler air. The next 5 MPH will be very costly and time consuming.

I have been thinking about a tempest or a fury but wasn't sure the difference between them or what pitch. Thanks for all the input.

I was mistaken earlier, the prop shaft was 5" below the pad, I have since raised the engine and plan on trying it this afternoon. Will let you guys know what happens.

If it was 5" below your in for a real fun ride this afternoon.

Took the boat out yesterday evening and the hole shot is better IMO and the top end I am sure is better just no real numbers since the lake was all tore up by skiers and wakeboard boats. I got it to bump off of 60 GPS but I could have gotten a little more if it were a little more calm on the water. Hopefully this weekend I can get out early and see what she will do.

62-64 is probably the max speed on your boat, but with the set up right the hole shot and ride will be better too.

I have a '94 488vs with a 200 mercury, it runs best with a 6" jack plate and a 25P tempest plus. 65 +\- a few depending on temperature and load. Start at 3.5 inches below the pad and adjust accordingly.

Right now I don't have the money for a jp or the 25 tempest, but I have gotten it topped out at 62 (gps) @ 6000. That was usual fishing load about 1/2 fuel running by myself. The steering seemed to be pretty stiff above 60, any suggestions? What would you get first, the jp or the prop?

if your eventually gonna do both, being prop and jack plate.

it won't do much good to prop it with out a jack plate.

i'd do the jack plate first... then try and save a little money by tuning the
current prop with the new setup.
then later find the right prop and go from there.

I am one that listens to Steve his recomendations worked magic on my Skeeter. Had my prop worked along with his recomendation for a jack plate. I was not looking for the absolute highest mph just wanted everything to be the best it could be in a stock configuration. All I can say is WOW it surpassed my expectations by leaps and bounds. I cannot thank him enough he is a true master of his craft just remember he is still human.