Starflite Prop Mess

[aaronmt]

OK, first of all my curent set up is a 1987 straflite(no bow foam) its got about a 240hp yamaha with a 12" jackplate, prop shaft height is 2" below the v. Ive tried 3 props in the last 2 days i cant seem to figure why the numbers come back how they do all speeds are by GPS. 23 tempest plus 70.0mph@6100, 25 tempest(non plus) 72.5mph@5600 ish not 100%,25 quiksilver lightspeed/laser II 73.6mph@6100. With the larger tempest's the boat seems to shake and rattle a little more when you ingage it, anyone else notice this? I would have thought the tempest 25 would of been the fastest. What is the difference between the 25 tempest and 25 tempest plus, the 23 tempest plus i have has much larger vent holes then the 25 tempest(non plus). The 23 was the fastest out of the hole followed by the lightpeed then the 25 tempest (thinking thats may be due to the smaller vent holes). Is it worth trying a 24 tempest plus? Ive heard that the original A40 tempest were the fastest ,the one i have here to try is an A45 25p . Am i imaging its shaking more with the larger prop? And would there be much difference between a 25 tempest and a 25 tempest plus. I think the numbers are very good the boat did do 74.7 once but that was with no interior and compltely out of control ,it is completely together now including the ski pylon and contolable at these speeds. I am at sea level , these speeds were on a fresh water lake i will be in the salt water this weekend where it is usually good for a couple mph. Any ideas on what to do or try?http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

[KevinR]

I'm not sure about why you are getting the numbers that you are but when you figure which props your going to keep i'd like to try and maybe buy the ones you want to get rid of. I live in Tacoma not far from the Narrows bridge and i'm currently running a 26 trophy plus which i'm not to sure of yet and i'd like to try some other props like the tempest. i also have a 25 laser II but its not a very good all around prop for my boat. right now with the trophy i'm getting about 69MPH i think the boat has more if i find the right prop. good luck this weekend have fun at whaling days if thats where your headed.

[aaronmt]

Ive heard the the tempest is the best prop for the starflite as well as the pulsare. Id sure like to know what the differences is between the tempest and tempest plus.

[bostoncan]

Im running a25p tempest plus,I tried a merc revolution 4 23p, wow was the boat smooth and vibration free and rode like it was on rails compared to the tempest plus. My hole shot with the rev 4 was lousy but believe it or not the 4 blade was 1.5 mph faster (gps). I will keep trying 4 blades( bravo and trophy plus) as i really like the aggresive holding and smoothness .

[xsive]

What do you want to prop your boat for? All out speed? A good combination of people hauling ability and speed?

What is the peak RPM for horsepower? No use running it to 6100 if it drops off 10hp from 5900. Stock, I think those motors are rated for 5000-6000RPM.

You will probably be able to run a Tempest Plus higher than a Laser II. So it is best to spend so time adjusting the engine height with each prop and record the results. Watch your water pressure.

As far as the shaking etc... This could be because the larger pitch props tend to load the motor up a little more at idle (harder to turn)

Have fun, sounds like you've got it running pretty good already!

PS. How is the new jackplate? How did you make out with adjusting the steering?

[wickedrister]

I run a 13 3/4 X 23 Laser II. The hole shot is slow but I like the way the boat feels over all and the top end. I tested a 14 X 21 Trophy plus. It had a wicked hole shot but that was all I liked about it. The trophy made my boat feel crazy loose. It felt like the ass-end was on ice or like it was slipping around from side to side. It nearly scared me in turns if I was running at any speed. It felt like the boat wanted to jump out from under me. I know that I need to try some other props but I will stick with the Laser for now. If I'm going to pull water toys or water ski I think a 4 blade will be my best bet but I don't know exactly what one to go with at this point.

[bostoncan]

wickedrister, have you tried a Merc high five? I had one on my 14' cobra/ 140 mercury and loved it . stuck like glue and unreal acceleration out of the hole.best allround prop i could find for that boat.

[supergenius74]

Hey man, I just broke 70 with mine! 70.2 to be exact and I did it with just me (240lbs) in it, a cooler, and gear. I believe I could have hit at least 71 but it was a small lake. at 70 I was right around 7000 RPM on my bridgeport turning that 22p 3-blade chopper. I doubt i will ever change the prop, my reality check was on the 4th of july when I was still able to push her along at 64 mph with 6 people and 2 coolers on board. Seeing as how I almost always have coolers and passengers I am leaving the lower pitch prop on and just going with the whole top speed with just me in it thing. Wow I am officially a 70mph boater, not bad for a big boat with and outboard. -shane