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Running a 1993 Outrage 17' with 2002 115 Merc ELPTO with a Quik Silver 48 16990 440 20P. So far rpms are 3600 maybe 3800 maximum, 2 people on board, full to 1/2 tank, very minimal gear, GPS reads 36 mph max. What I've read from posts by others with similar running low 40's mph. Specs on engine range 4600 to 5400 rpms. Fairly confident prop is issue. Used mostly salt water fishing at NC coast, think once I establish correct prop size am going with aluminum instead of SS. Rather sacrifice a broken prop in lieu of damage to shaft or worse. Just searching others with same rig and what prop they are running. thanks in advance.
Rather sacrifice a broken prop in lieu of damage to shaft or worse.
This is not correct logic.
A stainless propeller is recommended by those who know propellers.
A "20 prop is definitely lugging the engine.
You don't say in what position the engine is mounted. How many empty bolt holes are above the bolt in the upper set of holes. You should have at least 2.
In a Quicksilver, a 17" will most likely get you into the sweet spot on RPM's BUT this brand is not the most ideal.
When you change brands/models pitch is not universal so a Stilletto (for example) 17" pitch may NOT be correct.
I would search on here for your engine and see what others are using.
To elaborate a bit further - the idea that an aluminum prop will somehow protect your drivetrain is an old wives tale and is complete nonsense, despite the fact that you hear it all the time. Go with stainless which will perform better and be more durable, particularly in NC where you're most likely going to hit sand with embedded pebbles rather than rocks. A stainless prop will get you home with some scratches; with an aluminum prop you'll be paddling.
48 16990 440 20P (actually, 48-16990A40 20P) is an older 13-1/4" x 20" Quicksilver Laser II. It ought to be fine for that boat/motor combination which I would expect to be capable of close to 45 MPH.
The 2002 115 ELPTO has a 4750-5250 RPM recommended WOT engine speed range. You want to be near the upper end of that, lightly loaded, at WOT.
I'd be looking to the motor itself, not the propeller, for the cause of the poor performance.
Also give consideration to how the motor is mounted on the transom. It should be two holes up (1-1/2" between top of transom and motor mounting bracket) and if you have a foil or fin mounted on the motor, that can really kill speed.
Thanks for the input. Mr. Clark has confirmed what I had in the back of my mind, motor issue. Next time I get to the boat (its 3 hours away at coast for summer) I will check motor mounting height. There are no added trim fins or etc. Next step I would like to verify throttle cable is properly opening carbs to WOT and will also check timing. Any other obvious checks you can recommend? Once again thanks in advance.
