[rubble]

I have an 06',115hp Mercury pushing My 18'Trophy and am satisfied with the Speed & MPG,but sometimes when trying to get on plane its a little sluggish,especially when running Uphill or in washing-machine conditions.....

I've seen Stabilizers like StingRay,etc......and was looking for Your input on these as an alternative to installing Trimplates.

Appreciate any suggestions.... 8)

 

[ChannelIslands]

Robert,

Those would help, but IMO trim tabs are going to do the best job.(It would be quite a choir to install trim tabs!)
I have both on mine. When I first got my boat running the trim tab motor was shot. Since I got a new one it is night and day! It is also nice to adjust each side for loads on the way out.

My neighbor has an 18 footer W/O cabin and the hydro foil type work good for him. Its worth a shot since they are east to install and not to much $$$. I know I am not an expert here, but I hope it helps!


Chris

 

[Wils]

Put one on your motor. You will be amazed at how such a simple item will work wonders on how your boat will get on plane quicker at lower speeds.

Trim tabs will help out when running "sideways". I just step to one side or the other to "fix" that problem.

 

[C_McCann]

Yes they do, it is a great investment- they will help plane a bit quicker. Trim Tabs are the best solution, but pricy.

 

[rubble]

Thanks for the Input Guys.................

I'll get one and see how it does......
I just didn't want to drill any more holes in my boat if I don't have to......

 

[KID CREOLE]

Too much prop IMHO.

 

[Tuner]

Hi Robert, I don't know if the stabilizer will help, but Kid Creole may have the answer.

I have the 1902wa with the 115 4 stroke and experienced the same issues.

I installed Bennet hydraulic tabs and the boat showed some impovement most notably the ability to offset the kicker and a full bait tank.

Next was replacing the prop. I found SOLAS was the only company that sold a 4 blade with the diameter and pitch needed for the 115 merc (13.5 x 13). The gearcase has a relatively low ratio and mercury does not make many props,( zero 4 blades ) in this size. The results for my boat have been outstanding, including a 10% decrease in fuel consuption at cruise.

The 4 blade design will give better performance in the conditions you mentioned.

Good luck,

Steve

 

[IN2DEEP]

Rubble,
Both Kid Creole & Tuner might be onto something
Are you reaching the upper rpms of your operating range at WOT with a light load?


Question for Tuner,
Which Solas prop are you referring to?
-Solas HR Titan Stainless or Solas Amita aluminum

Thanks, Scott

 

[Tuner]

Question for Tuner,
Which Solas prop are you referring to?
-Solas HR Titan Stainless or Solas Amita aluminum

Thanks, Scott

I have the HR Titan Stainless. The only downside is the heavy stainless prop and stiff hub can cause some gearcase rattle at idle speeds in reverse. Heavy Merc props make the same noise.

Steve

 

[rubble]

Thank you Steve,(and Everyone else),I was talking to a friend who has a Ski-type 19ft'r & He said the same thing....I just figured He was a SPEED Freak & I never thought about the Lift factor or the Efficiency of a better Prop.By the way,....did you buy yours direct/on-line or....????......Thanks again.

And Yes Scott,I reach 5,000+ RPM's at very near WOT and don't think I'd want to go too much more,according to Manuf.Recommendations......

 

[IN2DEEP]

Thanks Tuner!!! :tu:




Rubble,

Hope it works out for you

Trim tabs help your ride quality quite a bit...I wouldn't be without them myself.
I think it helps a lot if you are "bow light" like mine is.

Scott

 

[Tuner]

Thank you Steve,(and Everyone else),I was talking to a friend who has a Ski-type 19ft'r & He said the same thing....I just figured He was a SPEED Freak & I never thought about the Lift factor or the Efficiency of a better Prop.By the way,....did you buy yours direct/on-line or....????......Thanks again.

And Yes Scott,I reach 5,000+ RPM's at very near WOT and don't think I'd want to go too much more,according to Manuf.Recommendations......

Robert,

I have an account with the local SOLAS WD (Lynn Vic Products). PM me if you would like more info.

What is the maximum reccomended RPM for your engine? 5K sounds low for a 4 stroke, do you have the optimax?

My max reccomended rpm is 6k, I was able to reach 5700 or so with the last prop. By reducing the pitch by 2 inches and adding another blade I see 6k with the lightest load and 4800-5500 now gives the best fuel economy and best cruise is about 27mph (gps) and the throttle is a quite a bit off the stop. I have the Lowrance fuel flow meter and it has helped determine the most efficient engine speeds, my best speed/rpm ended up being much closer to the max rpm than expected.

Tight lines,
Steve

 

[TAURUS]

in my opinion, the only thing they are good for is keeping your aluminum welder busy...they break off the oem stabilizers ....unless you have an inflatable(they work very well at keeping a zodiak from porpoising), don't bother.

 

[IN2DEEP]

Hi Robert, I don't know if the stabilizer will help, but Kid Creole may have the answer. I have the 1902wa with the 115 4 stroke and experienced the same issues. I installed Bennet hydraulic tabs and the boat showed some impovement most notably the ability to offset the kicker and a full bait tank. Next was replacing the prop. I found SOLAS was the only company that sold a 4 blade with the diameter and pitch needed for the 115 merc (13.5 x 13). The gearcase has a relatively low ratio and mercury does not make many props,( zero 4 blades ) in this size. The results for my boat have been outstanding, including a 10% decrease in fuel consuption at cruise. The 4 blade design will give better performance in the conditions you mentioned. Good luck, Steve

Sorry Rubble if I'm hijacking your thread Tuner, I have the same motor as you but it's hanging on a 22' aluminum Bayrunner. I'm currently running a 13 3/4diax15" pitch 3 blade alum Black Max prop and planning on replacing it soon. I get around 5300rpm @WOT lightly loaded and feel that a 13" pitch would a benefit(a little over propped at low elevation and way over propped @Big Bear Lake) How did you determine that a 4 blade prop would be better over a 3 blade? And, do you have any thoughts of the Solas aluminum 4 blade prop @$98 Found the HR Titan for $269 Thanks, Scott

This post edited by IN2DEEP 06/02/2008

 

[Tuner]

Sorry Rubble if I'm hijacking your thread Tuner, I have the same motor as you but it's hanging on a 22' aluminum Bayrunner. I'm currently running a 13 3/4diax15" pitch 3 blade alum Black Max prop and planning on replacing it soon. I get around 5300rpm @WOT lightly loaded and feel that a 13" pitch would a benefit(a little over propped at low elevation and way over propped @Big Bear Lake) How did you determine that a 4 blade prop would be better over a 3 blade? And, do you have any thoughts of the Solas aluminum 4 blade prop @$98 Found the HR Titan for $269 Thanks, Scott

Hi Scott, 4 blade props typically have more blade area and have more "bite" in the water as compared to 3 blade designs. This usually translates to quicker planing and the ability to stay on a plane in rough water. The downside is also the extra surface area. It can cause a reduction in top speed and some reduction in efficiency due to increased drag in the water. Compared to Stainless props, Aluminum props must be thicker in all areas of the prop to reduce flex and this increases drag and decreases efficiency. Price is the main advantage given to aluminum props. I hope this helps. -Steve

This post edited by Tuner 06/04/2008

 

[IN2DEEP]

Thank you Steve,

Scott