Does anyone have experience with the five bladed Merc Props?

I'm currently running a basic Stainless Merc 19p on a 1998 Merc 200efi on a Champion 21' Bay Champ. This is apparently the basic setup from the factory. I have a hugh hole shot, and acceptable top end, although I can easily over rev the engine if I start going to full up trim with both the engine and jack plate.

I'm not total unhappy with the current setup, but would like some more fuel milage, without giving up the hole shot.

The Merc High Five in a 21p looks interesting, but I have no experience with 4/5 bladed props.

Any ideas?

Drifter--I had a 5 Blade on a 225 EFI Merc. and all I can tell you is you will only get a better hole shot and lose allot of top end speed. Will not increase your fuel mileage. If you are over reving your present prop, you need to go up a pitch or two on a new prop. One pitch up will reduce your RPM about 200 to 300 rpm. So depending on how much you are over reving will depend on how much you need to go up on pitch.

Drifter, anything you do to get more topend is going to slow your holeshot. You can't have both. I would think a 21p would be about right. If you still have a problem of overreving have them put more cup in it thats like adding pitch on the top end.---Smitty

Have put several High Fives on. Running a 14.5 19 pitch you will get same hole shot with top end rpm in safe range with a 13.5in dia. 23-24 pitch high five. If speed is wanted go to a Trophy Plus four blade 22-23 pitch. Every boat is different on the prop it likes best. Try several before you buy, most prop dealers will let you. Maybe someone you know has prop you can try? Yes High Fives normally cost you top end speed. good luck

Like I said in my original post, the only reason that I was considering changing props to a higher pitch is to reduce RPM at cruising speed (or trolling speed) there by increasing fuel milage.

The rig is only run at WOT during testing, with the 19p prop it runs 54-55mph at 5600RPM, that's about 10mph more than I can stand with the flat bottomed hull, it can get real squirrelly with only the prop in the water, and no pad to run on.

Normal operating range for me is 3300-4000RPM, which with the 19p is 29-36MPH.

I was hoping with the 4/5 bladed 21p prop to drop the RPM to the 3000-3600 range at cruise, and maintain much of my hole shot.

At the lake the low end torque of the 19p is not particularly important, but in the shallows of the coastal bays, and on the faces of some offshore swells (that I probably shouldn't be on in the fist place) it sure is nice.

Hey Drifter,

Would you be up for trying a 21 pitch 3 blade stainless Vengeance prop. I have one on my 150 Merc (21.5 SeaPro) and it is a little too much prop for this boat. It is in perfect shape. You have exactly what I am looking for.

Give me a shout if you might be interested in doing some testing and maybe some swapping.

Bruce

Bruce

Thanks for the offer but I think I will probably keep the current 19p prop even if I decide to try something else.

WT

A have a High Five on my 19 ft Ranger Fish-N-Ski with a Merc 175. The High Five is really designed for one thing - skiing. You'll have a better hole shot than you have now, but you'll probably lose 5 or so mph on top end. You shouldn't have the over rev problem with a High Five. You'll be able to keep the boat on plane at lower speeds. My High Five is just OK in rough water. Doesn't stick as well as you might think a 5 blade would. Has pretty decent lift. If I were you, I would go wth a four blade unless you plan on skiing a lot. I would trade my High Five for a decent four blade if anybody is interested since I don't ski that much.