205 Sport Prop Selection

[coolings]

Okay, I have decided to upgrade from an aluminum prop to SS. So I went to my local prop shop. My boat came stock with a 14.125 x 21p. RPMs would get about 4600 and speed would get about 46mph via GPS. I would fall off plane about 18mph.

The guy at the prop shop let me test a 13.875 x 21p prop. The prop was a Michigan with a cup. With a full tank of gas, light load and just myself, WOT RPM was at the high range, 4800. I could get about 49mph. A decent improvement. Holeshot was about four seconds. I could stay on plane about 16mph.

I tested a second prop. A Mercury Mirage Plus. Diameter was huge, 15.125 I think. Pitch was 19. WOT Rpm was too low, at 4200. Max speed was 45. Holeshot was two seconds. I could stay on plane at 13mph. Other than a very low WOT RPM, this was the perfect prop for watersports and traveling in choppy water.

The prop shop did not seem to have much of a selection for what I was looking for. So I did some research. Mercury recommended several props for my boat.

I want more of a cruising prop. I decided to purchase a Mercury Enertia, 13.5x22p. This will be the first vented prop I have used. I bought the prop outright on ebay for $400. I figured if it spins to fast, I will have a cup put in it. Also, if it does not perform well, I will just have to list it for sale and purchase something else. From everything I could find, I think this will be the prop for me. I want to clear 50mph. Four seconds on the holeshot is okay with me. I will post the performance after I receive. Oh, I hope I am right.

 

[coolings]

Okay, I tested the Enertia 22 pitch prop today. Hole shot was about four seconds. WOT RPMs were low, at 4400. I could get up to about 48 mph running with the wind. My WOT RPM should be about 4800. So I am thinking of stepping down to a 21 or 20 pitch. I am leaning more toward a 21 pitch. A 21 pitch should push my RPMs to 4600 with a full tank of gas and myself. I am guessing with a quarter of a tank of gas, my RPMs would rise to the max of 4800. Again, I tested with a full tank of gas and just me on the boat. I left the vent plugs in. I wanted to make sure the pitch was right before I messed with the PVS system. I noticed after I put my family in the boat my WOT RPM lowered by about 300.

 

[glocklt4]

Thanks for posting this info. I have a 205 sport too and have the stock alum prop still. Not sure on specs, but have been thinking about an upgrade to SS.

Surprised to see that you're hitting 45-50mph with your boat. I think my speedo is on the fritz, but I don't know that I've gotten mine up to that speed yet.

 

[coolings]

My speedo registers about the same speed, but I go by GPS speed. I have tested three props thus far, so if you have any questions, just ask. In the future, I think I will be buying a Rev 4 prop (four blade SS), for water sports. I got to 49, but have never broken 50mph. I think this 21p enertia will. At least I hope.