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If this duplicates an existing thread I can't locate, please let me know.
I have a 2003 Dauntless 180 with an Optimax 135, Mirage 17 prop and no trim tabs. When skiing, it easily pulls the skier up and planes at about 3100 rpm - just a bit fast for the skier. Slow down to 2800 rpm and the skier is happy, but the boat falls off plane and slows too much. I have spoken to Whaler, and they say the boat is performing as designed. They thought trim tabs would not help a whole lot to keep the boat on plane at low speeds. No Dauntless 180's are factory fitted with trim tabs, hence no test data. They suggested that I try either the Mirage 15 prop or the Enertia 17 prop.
Now my question...has anyone else seen this problem, and if so how have you handled it?
I don't have that specific problem but I can tell you that when I switched to the MiragePlus prop, I had significantly more stern lift which allowed my (heavier) hull to get on and maintain a plane at much lower RPM. A number of the 4 blade props also have this characteristic from feedback that I've read.
What are you running now for a prop, and what height is your engine set at?
I did a lot of research and finallt settled on a Power Tech ELE4, 15 inch 4 blade prop. This after two detailled ddiscussions with the tech support folks at Power Tech.The changes are quite noticable. First, the boat cuts through chop much better with little porposing. Second in does plane at a bit lower speed - about 3 knots less. Lets me ski at 20 knots on plane and wakeboard at 15 knots at a descent attitude. I lost about 3.5 knots at top end and WOT was increasede to right at 5500 rpm. All-in-all a good change at a reasonable price.
A propeller change would probably solve your problems. The Enertia would be a good prop to try because its grip is excellent and when it goes, it goes very smoothly, that is, it does not let loose all at once as the MIRAGEplus can.
A four blade may help too. The 15" Revolution 4 would definitely allow the boat to hold plane at a lower speed. It is a good stern lifting propeller which is what you need.
PowerTech makes an unbelievable array of propellers and their customer service is excellent. Like peteFile, you may benefit from one of their props. I strongly recommend you call and talk with PowerTech before deciding on any one of their propeller models.
