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If anyone knows Tom I need some help!! I just bought a 200 Boston Whaler Dauntless 16 with a 115HP Yamaha 4 stroke and need some help getting up on plane quicker. I can't put tabs on so was looking for help on the prop...current prop is 13 1/2 x 14-K 3 blade and I don't care about losing a few MPH as I'm just fishing/inner tubing with my grand kids.
I had a Montauk 17 when my kids were young but this is a different animal.
Any ideas?
Thank you,
Brad

[Edited subject line for accuracy]

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You should look into the Mercury 4 bladed aluminum "Spitfire" line of props, also sold aftermarket as a Quicksilver "Nemesis" for a few dollars less. these can be used on any brand outboard. These are Mercury's latest generation of aluminum props, and will improve acceleration considerably.

See here:

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/p.../spitfire/

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Thanks...I'll look into those props but I don't much about props that's why I was hoping to get in touch with Tom Clark. I never had any "prop"issues with my Montauk 17 so this is issue is new to me.
Thanks again for the help,
Brad

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Brad -

13.25 x 14 Is it the Yamaha Performance Series (polished stainless steel)
What is WOT speed and RPM's running solo and light?

We need to discuss engine mounting height. Where is the motor? See this article. http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...cle_id=106

While the F115 is a great motor, the torque curve is different than a 2 stroke and you are looking for a prop that will spin up quickly and still have bite. (I ran this motor 7 years on my first Outrage 17)

For tubing, water skiing many owners find a 4 blade prop offers the characteristics for these activities.

Note - Larry has a wealth of experience and is very wise. He also heavily recommends Mercury/Quicksilver products.

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There are lots of members here that have all the information you need to know about props and which works best with your Whaler/Motor combination.

You are cutting yourself short waiting for one person that may or may not be able to help you any better then anyone else here.

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I checked my prop today. It is 13.5 x 17 Ballistic [Michigan Wheel] My understanding is that is is no longer made, but I am sure someone can steer you to a similar prop.

I have the F115 motor on a 1986 18' Outrage.

I would love to know the opinion of others about mounting height. It is all the way down.
When I raised the motor on my 16', it was impressive. Wish I had done it much sooner.

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mtown,
I would raise that motor to 2 holes up and then check for spray from the anti-cavitation plate.
It should be just near the top of the water at cruising speed and trimmed properly.
After raising the motor, check your WOT RPM's with a light load and start there.
Let us know what your WOT RPM's is?

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As Phil mentioned, I recommend Mercury manufactured props because with 47 years of outboard boating experience, I believe they are the best performing designs you can buy, applicable to any brand which gives excellent resale value, and the leader in propeller design technology.

For the ultimate performance on your 115 HP powered Dauntless, this is what I would buy - the newly designed Spitfire X7. Be sure to view the three videos on the page, and if you buy one, be sure to use the Flo Torq III hub kit to eliminate clutch rattle common with SS props on 4-stroke engines..

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/p...itfire-x7/

But like any top quality product, they carry a decent price. In this case, you can get one shipped to your door for $399. The aluminum Spitfire, recommended earlier, would be a less expensive alternative (maybe $140) if price is a concern.

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I have a 2003 160 Dauntless with a Mercury 115 four stroke and the standard SS Vengeance prop, not sure about the specific pitch numbers. When I purchased the boat recently I was about to order a new prop having read several reviews about getting on plane with a full tank of fuel and 4 or more passengers. When I took delivery of the boat it came with a "whale tail" and I thought I'd wait to see how it performed before ordering a new prop. I'm glad I did. The boat gets on plane just fine with a full load and performs very well. My GPS speed at WOT is just under 40 MPH which is plenty fast for me. I would try the "whale tail" first. Hope you like the boat as much as I do, it's really solid, safe, and fun to operate.

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Surline's engine is basically the same powerhead as the original poster's, since in those days the Mercury 115 4-stroke was a Yamaha powerhead in Mercury dress. The factory furnished the Mercury Vengeance prop, which is Mercury's basic SS prop, but also a very good performer on the Dauntless 16.

So that would be an alternative, mid-price range prop, less expensive than the SpitfireX7, and at only $289.

http://jacosmarine.com/new-mercury-pr...ropellers/

I am not a fan of these "whale tail" add ons, but if one is used the engine must be mounted up in the middle (3rd) set of holes so that it doesn't drag in the water at planing speeds. Generally, the right choice in a prop will eliminate the need for such a fin completely.

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Surline -

There is no standard SS Vengence prop for a Yamaha F115.

All outboards are sold without a prop. The hull manufacturer or selling dealer will select a prop.

Brunswick owns Boston Whaler and Mercury Marine so the Mercury outboard will include a Mercury prop.

Most buyers of re-powers take what is given to them thinking the dealer knows best.

Through the extensive number of repowers by Boston Whaler owners we have extensive information on what prop make/model and size works for each model.

While some Dauntless models will perform better with a tail due to the notch, this is the exception rather than the rule.

The Yamaha Performance prop is the make/model of I prefer for the F115. My second choice would be a Powertech brand.

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48-16986 16P Mercury Vengeance

Make sure motor mounted proper height

Mine is 2nd hole from top but could go 3rd.

I top out at 42 mph @ 6100 rpm.

16 guardian with mercahama 115 four stroke. One of 6 produced.