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Phil, are you sure you got that pitch right? I used the equivalent Stiletto Advantage 1 in 13.25 x 15 and it topped out around 5700 RPM - within the recommended maximum WOT RPM range, but not where you want it. I wouldn't think you could hit even 5000 RPM with an 18-pitch.

More generally, I found the large, grippy prop was a very poor match for the combination of the 15 and the peaky power curve of the F70. I tried both 15 and 13 pitch Stiletto Advantages, and neither one was satisfactory - even the 13 wouldn't spin to redline without a good deal of trim, and it topped out around 37 MPH. And both the 15 and the 13 were dogs - they really felt like they were holding the motor back. Don't get me wrong, they are great props and worked extremely well on my previous OMC 70 - but my experience with them on the F70 was really bad.

I switched to a Power Tech SCD3 in 13 x 16 and the difference is huge, in every aspect of performance - much more responsive, and better top speed too. My unscientific analysis is that the smaller blades on the SCD3 slip more when accelerating, allowing the F70 to spin up more readily to the higher RPM ranges where the F70 makes its power. I believe the SCD3 is very similar to the Yamaha Painted Stainless.

Note that with the 16-pitch in the SCD3 I am a little bit underpropped. That works great for my needs, but if someone really wants to maximize top speed, trimmed out on flat water, I would recommend the 17 or even an 18-pitch.

Tim