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I have an 18' Triton with a 150HP 1999 Merc XR6 that for the most part, has had mods to make it a 200HP. When I am loaded (tackle, me, my fishing buddy, full live well and full gas tank) at WOT, it will turn ~5800 RPM's. I am running a Tempest Plus 24P 3 blade prop.

This past weekend I had a chance (for the first time sense I had the mods to the engine)... to take it out with (me, light tackle, empty live well & 1/4 tank of gas).... And I have to tell ya, I had to be careful not to blow the engine. The first time I really opened her up, she felt like a MUCH different boat. Light on the keel, and very responsive. But the problem I found was WOT RPM was high. Before I realized it, the RPM was hitting 6200 - 6300... When I saw this, it was like I could just feel my wallet getting lighter from was it was going to cost me in repairs, if I didn't get my foot out of the throttle.

My question is, if this was your situation and setup. Would you change props, and if so.... What would you change to? No need to worry about doing anything in this boat, other than fishing.

Would you:
- Stay the same?
- Move to a 25P Tempest Plus?
- Move to a 26P Tempest Plus?
- Move to something else?
- Have this prop modified? (prop only a few months old)
- Sell the boat altogether, and take up a silly sport like golf (just kidding)

_________________
I challenge you to go fishing with Jesus.
http://www.pbaclub.com

What ecu does it have? Also what mods.

RPM is in line & I personally have spun those above 6500 with no problems in stock form.

Depending on what you have had done will make the differance.

I also would check with the person that did the work to make sure the changes your seeing are in line with what he was expecting.

Mike

_________________
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.....

The 150HP XR6 that I have is a 2.5 liter block, this is the same block as a stock 200HP XR6. I had the guys over in Easley change:
- The Heads
- Tuner (exhaust)
- Carb (jets)
I think we did something else as well, but basically took a stock 150HP XR6 (2.5 liter) to a "stock" 200HP XR6.


What is ecu?

_________________
I challenge you to go fishing with Jesus.
http://www.pbaclub.com

The ECU is what controls the timing, etc on the motor.
Sounds like it hasnt been changed.

Adding the compression to the motor by changing the heads gives it more punch & the "tuning" of the exaust tuner helps eliminate the back pressure in the motor.
By increasing the compression they had to add a higher oil / fuel mixture & that is why the carbs were re-jetted.

If it has a stock a-48 style ECU then you will be able to spin that motor up to 6500 rpm & it should be pretty reliable.

Your hp is most likley in the 180-190 range with the mods you have described.
These mods are a very good & inexpensive way to get a few more MPH with out buying a new motor.

Using your numbers -
max rpm 6300
prop pitch - 24

& my info
gear ratio - 1.87
Estimated slip on most bass boats 6-10%

You can calculate your Theoretical Speed & your actual speed of 77mph & 72mph respectivley.

Here is the link so you can play with the numbers.
http://www.go-fast.com/Prop_Slip_Calculator.htm

Congrats & I'm sure you'll be having even more fun playing with your boat!!!

Take care

Michael

_________________
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.....