2001 Dauntless 16, 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115-HP

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: Whaler Performance
  2001 Dauntless 16, 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115-HP

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   2001 Dauntless 16, 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115-HP

GeoWhaler posted 06-29-2006 05:12 AM ET (US)
I've very recently sold the 90-HP Mercury two-stroke Saltwater Series that came standard on my Dauntless 16 and had installed a new 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115hp and even got the Digital I-Command guage. Everything with the engine has been flawless so far. It's significantly smoother, quieter, more efficient, and I've had no mechanical problems at all.
The only sticking point I've got is trying to get the best prop for this engine/boat. As there are not many -- or any from what I've heard -- Dauntless 16's with the new E-tec 115, the prop selection has been trial and error.
The Merc 90hp had a 19" pitch Trophy Plus and turned right at 6000 rpm's. This prop provided excellent handling at low/moderate speeds even in rough water, turning, or pulling a kneeboarder.
My dealer recommended a 3-blade propeller, although I much prefer a 4-blade, especially after having it on the Merc 90. To their credit, my dealer has been very accomodating and understands the need to try a few different types/pitches.
Their best guess for the first prop on the E-Tec was a 19" pitch Evinrude Viper. Acceleration 'out of the hole' was lousy. (all tests with a full-tank of fuel with 2 people and safety gear only.) Also, it only turned 5200 rpm.
I wanted to try a 4-blade, the only available via Evinrude is a Renegade Bass @ 21" pitch. The engine bogged severely and only turned 4700 rpm.
Right now I've got a 17" pitch Viper, which turns @ 5500 rpm and gets out of the hole better than the 19," but is still lousy at holding plane at medium speeds (3500 rpm)and worse at medium speeds in rougher water.
Has anybody had any experience with the new Rebel props? Maybe better for this type of application?
I would love to have an appropriate 4-blade prop for this boat, but Evinrude doesn't have one available.
Is there anybody out there who can recommend a high quality 4- blade propeller/pitch for this application?
Thanks for the advice...

Peter posted 06-29-2006 07:58 AM ET (US)
I assume that you are using the smaller diameter Vipers. Vipers are pretty good for top speed but not very good for cruising or holding low speed plane. I think the Rebel is not the right propeller for your boat/motor combination. It's 15+ inch diameter is much to big for a 16 foot boat with a 115. One BRP propeller I would consider trying on that boat is the 13 1/2 x 18 Raker if your dealer happens to have one. Unfortunately, working with your dealer on a free trial basis, you are limited to BRP propeller offerings.
If you are willing to venture outside of the BRP territory, there are other propellers that should be tried including the Stiletto probably with a 17 inch pitch based on your test results. I'd give some of the Mercury propellers a try too, probably also in the 17 inch pitch size.
Skipjack 17 posted 07-27-2006 10:47 AM ET (US)
Hello GeoWhaler, Any luck on props with your 115 E-TEC
Thanks Bob
Marlin posted 07-27-2006 11:16 AM ET (US)
Looking at the specs for the 115 E-tec, it seems very similar to the Mercury 115 4-stroke. Max RPM is 6000, and the E-tec gear ratio is 2.0:1 vs. 2.07:1 on the Merc.
I have a 2003 160 Dauntless with the 115 4-stroke, and I run a Vengeance 13.25 x 16 3-blade stainless prop. It's a great cruising prop, and gives a top speed of about 44 MPH. However, the hole shot is not great -- recent attempts to use it for waterskiing failed miserably. I'll also note that using Jim's propeller calculator, the calculated slip numbers for this prop are absurdly low, which indicates that the prop's "effective pitch", to coin a phrase, is a bit higher than the pitch number stamped on it. It's probably the equivalent of a 17, or maybe 18, Black Max.
Two props that I'm considering now may also be good choices for you. First is the Mercury Trophy Plus 13.75 x 17 4-blade (part number 48-825930A46). While it has a higher pitch number than the 16 Vengeance, the exhaust vent holes may allow the engine to spin up higher into its powerband during initial accelleration. I'm currently looking for a chance to borrow or buy cheap to check this prop out.
The other prop I'm looking at is the PowerTech M135 Accelerator 4-blade in 13.25 x 15 (part number M135RXB4R15P-2). This should have all the acceleration advantages of your typical 4-blade, plus a little lower pitch to get great acceleration.
Please update us on what you find works for you!
-Bob
ratherwhalering posted 07-27-2006 04:48 PM ET (US)
I think the Stiletto Advantage I, 13.25 x 17 will be too much pitch. I'm running a 13.25 x 15 Advantage I on my Montauk with set-back brackets, all hiked up to hell and a handbasket. 5500 RPM. I'd recommend raising the engine up (if not done already) and running the 15-inch Stiletto. If you want the 4-blade, try the Stiletto Bay Pro I, 13.25 x 15, part no. 24415. Wanna go even better? Try the Turbo Prop (same manufacturer as Stiletto) Flats IV 13.25 x 15.
Skipjack 17 posted 07-28-2006 12:57 PM ET (US)

I Tried both 4-blade Stiletto Bay Pro I (13.25 x 15) & (13.35 x 17) with no luck with our E-TEC 115. Max RPM was 5000-5200 and with adjusting our 5.5" CMC jack plate. Nest we are going back to a three blade and trying a SST 13.875 x 17 for a base line.
We started with a dealer loaner 14 x 19 OMC Aluminum prop at 5500 @ WOT and 49 MPH.........But would like to go with SS.
Bob
Marlin posted 07-28-2006 01:06 PM ET (US)
Skipjack,
You're getting 49 MPH out of an E-tec 115 on a 16 Dauntless??? Is that a GPS measurement, or just a speedo?
-Bob
Skipjack 17 posted 07-28-2006 03:48 PM ET (US)

No, our 17' 1993 Outrage
Skipjack 17 posted 07-28-2006 04:59 PM ET (US)
That was a GPS measurement........Bob
Teak Oil posted 07-28-2006 08:33 PM ET (US)
Just because you have an E-Tec doesnt mean you can't use a Mercury prop. The Flo Torq hub will allow use on an Evinrude. Get a Trophy plus with 2" more pitch and you should have similar performance to before, with more top end and better mileage
Lagniappe posted 07-28-2006 11:37 PM ET (US)
Hello GeoWhaler - i currently run a johnson 115, and tried many many props. I settled on two - the viper in a 17", and compensated for the hole shot and high planning speeds with the addition of the TurboLift. I wanted the speed of the viper at crusing speeds for long runs offshore. The Turbolift allows me to plan at about 13mph, regardless of load and increased my speed from 39.6 to 43.2 by gps wide open on my OR17. If you haven't heard of the turbolift before - it is not a planning device, it is a water compression device. it bolts to the cavitation plate without driling, its concave design semi surrounds the prop and forces the prop wash back onto the prop reducing slippage and theirfore performance al-way-round.
The other prop I use is a 4 blade 14 1/4" x 18 Turbo brand prop (Precision Propeller inc 317-545-9080), all of their products are supreme. i use this for towing skiers and tubing. It is about a third quicker out of the hole, definitely holds better in corners and awesome midrange acceleration - a little slower on top about 39. The 13 1/4" is designed for the V4's with the smaller gear bottom - so don't know which bottom end you have.
Both turn about 5900 rpm lightly loaded in colder water - so when it is warmer and under load, they are right on the money at 5750 rpm.
My 10 yr old johnson is getting a little tired, thinking of upgrading to the new E-Tec - do you think this will be a great motor for you once your proped right, ie performance, mpg, etc. ?
Sal DiMercurio posted 07-29-2006 06:09 AM ET (US)
Geowhaler, you keep mentioning a 4 blade prop,....Why do you think you need one?
All it will do is get you on plane about 1 second sooner & maybe hold you on plane at a lower rpms but your top end will suffer.
The Rebel prop is not for you the Viper is way over rated.
In fact I rate the Viper very low.
Rob [ Rather whalering ] is giving you the best advise with the Turbo 3 blade.
Forget the 4 blade, you don't need it at all on a 16' boat with 115 hp.
Sal
JayR posted 07-29-2006 07:33 AM ET (US)
Skipjack'
Are you sure about that max RPM of 5200 on the 115 hp e-tec?
According to Evinrudes web site specs here: http://www.evinrude.com/en-CA/Engines/2005/E-Tec/Freshwater.115/ Specifications/115/ it has a 5500 to 6000 WOT range.
Sal DiMercurio posted 07-30-2006 01:17 AM ET (US)
Jayr, he was talking about thats all the rpms he could get with that prop, not what the recommended maximum rpms are.
Sal
Skipjack 17 posted 07-31-2006 12:10 PM ET (US)
Yes JayR, I believe the Stiletto Bay Pro I 4-blade are good props but not for smaller gear cases (<5500 RPM @ WOT)like on out 115 E-TEC short shaft with 1:2 ratios. The long shaft and bigger V6 motors use larger gear cases and seem to be a good match for the 4-blade props. I’m going back to a 3-blade in hopefully SS.
I’m trying a 13-7/8” x 17 OMC SST next and also looking at the Turbo props made by Stiletto. Ideally I’m shooting for a 5500+ rpm @ WOT. Which should be possible to dial in know that we have over 20 hours on the motor.
eros01 posted 08-17-2006 07:38 AM ET (US)
Hello all guys, I have read your comments on props for the 115 hp E-Tec with great interest. I recently mounted my new E-Tec 115 on my [non-Boston Whaler 21-foot boat] which had earlier a Honda 90 four-stroke. I'm using the Viper 19 and I'm getting 24-kt at 3,800-RPM with no vibrations at all and well below the liter per "sea-mile". The [non-Whaler] is no speed boat, but I top 37 knots but with only 5.300 rpms at top. No problem, as I want to cruise at 24 without stress in the Stockholm archipelago. Do you think that a four-blade ProPulse composite prop would be any good for lower RPM at cruising speed??
VI Jamie 22 posted 08-19-2006 06:36 AM ET (US)
Welcome to the Whalerholics Anonymous website.
eros01 posted 08-21-2006 04:27 AM ET (US)
Hi there, [My non-Whaler boat is] 6.3 meters and approx 950 kilogrammes without engine. Perfect for two persons on a week-end camping tour (look at the link below).
http://www.blocket.se/vi/9133252.htm?ca=11_s
Erik
goinboatn posted 08-21-2006 11:37 AM ET (US)
Powertech has gotten amazing reviews on [another] forum.
Sal DiMercurio posted 08-21-2006 12:09 PM ET (US)
Forget the composite props.
Geo, stay away from the Viper prop, they are lousy for your application.
Sal
steve16bw posted 08-22-2006 09:31 PM ET (US)
geowhaler, I just purchased my very first 2000 DAUNTLESS 16 with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke. I took it out the first time. Felt the the motor was too big for the boat, but after reading, i think it could be various things, trim tabs, or prop. I think I have the same [problem] as you.

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: 2001 Dauntless 16, 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115-HP
GeoWhaler	posted 06-29-2006 05:12 AM ET (US) I've very recently sold the 90-HP Mercury two-stroke Saltwater Series that came standard on my Dauntless 16 and had installed a new 2007 Evinrude E-TEC 115hp and even got the Digital I-Command guage. Everything with the engine has been flawless so far. It's significantly smoother, quieter, more efficient, and I've had no mechanical problems at all. The only sticking point I've got is trying to get the best prop for this engine/boat. As there are not many -- or any from what I've heard -- Dauntless 16's with the new E-tec 115, the prop selection has been trial and error. The Merc 90hp had a 19" pitch Trophy Plus and turned right at 6000 rpm's. This prop provided excellent handling at low/moderate speeds even in rough water, turning, or pulling a kneeboarder. My dealer recommended a 3-blade propeller, although I much prefer a 4-blade, especially after having it on the Merc 90. To their credit, my dealer has been very accomodating and understands the need to try a few different types/pitches. Their best guess for the first prop on the E-Tec was a 19" pitch Evinrude Viper. Acceleration 'out of the hole' was lousy. (all tests with a full-tank of fuel with 2 people and safety gear only.) Also, it only turned 5200 rpm. I wanted to try a 4-blade, the only available via Evinrude is a Renegade Bass @ 21" pitch. The engine bogged severely and only turned 4700 rpm. Right now I've got a 17" pitch Viper, which turns @ 5500 rpm and gets out of the hole better than the 19," but is still lousy at holding plane at medium speeds (3500 rpm)and worse at medium speeds in rougher water. Has anybody had any experience with the new Rebel props? Maybe better for this type of application? I would love to have an appropriate 4-blade prop for this boat, but Evinrude doesn't have one available. Is there anybody out there who can recommend a high quality 4- blade propeller/pitch for this application? Thanks for the advice...
Peter	posted 06-29-2006 07:58 AM ET (US) I assume that you are using the smaller diameter Vipers. Vipers are pretty good for top speed but not very good for cruising or holding low speed plane. I think the Rebel is not the right propeller for your boat/motor combination. It's 15+ inch diameter is much to big for a 16 foot boat with a 115. One BRP propeller I would consider trying on that boat is the 13 1/2 x 18 Raker if your dealer happens to have one. Unfortunately, working with your dealer on a free trial basis, you are limited to BRP propeller offerings. If you are willing to venture outside of the BRP territory, there are other propellers that should be tried including the Stiletto probably with a 17 inch pitch based on your test results. I'd give some of the Mercury propellers a try too, probably also in the 17 inch pitch size.
Skipjack 17	posted 07-27-2006 10:47 AM ET (US) Hello GeoWhaler, Any luck on props with your 115 E-TEC Thanks Bob
Marlin	posted 07-27-2006 11:16 AM ET (US) Looking at the specs for the 115 E-tec, it seems very similar to the Mercury 115 4-stroke. Max RPM is 6000, and the E-tec gear ratio is 2.0:1 vs. 2.07:1 on the Merc. I have a 2003 160 Dauntless with the 115 4-stroke, and I run a Vengeance 13.25 x 16 3-blade stainless prop. It's a great cruising prop, and gives a top speed of about 44 MPH. However, the hole shot is not great -- recent attempts to use it for waterskiing failed miserably. I'll also note that using Jim's propeller calculator, the calculated slip numbers for this prop are absurdly low, which indicates that the prop's "effective pitch", to coin a phrase, is a bit higher than the pitch number stamped on it. It's probably the equivalent of a 17, or maybe 18, Black Max. Two props that I'm considering now may also be good choices for you. First is the Mercury Trophy Plus 13.75 x 17 4-blade (part number 48-825930A46). While it has a higher pitch number than the 16 Vengeance, the exhaust vent holes may allow the engine to spin up higher into its powerband during initial accelleration. I'm currently looking for a chance to borrow or buy cheap to check this prop out. The other prop I'm looking at is the PowerTech M135 Accelerator 4-blade in 13.25 x 15 (part number M135RXB4R15P-2). This should have all the acceleration advantages of your typical 4-blade, plus a little lower pitch to get great acceleration. Please update us on what you find works for you! -Bob
ratherwhalering	posted 07-27-2006 04:48 PM ET (US) I think the Stiletto Advantage I, 13.25 x 17 will be too much pitch. I'm running a 13.25 x 15 Advantage I on my Montauk with set-back brackets, all hiked up to hell and a handbasket. 5500 RPM. I'd recommend raising the engine up (if not done already) and running the 15-inch Stiletto. If you want the 4-blade, try the Stiletto Bay Pro I, 13.25 x 15, part no. 24415. Wanna go even better? Try the Turbo Prop (same manufacturer as Stiletto) Flats IV 13.25 x 15.
Skipjack 17	posted 07-28-2006 12:57 PM ET (US) I Tried both 4-blade Stiletto Bay Pro I (13.25 x 15) & (13.35 x 17) with no luck with our E-TEC 115. Max RPM was 5000-5200 and with adjusting our 5.5" CMC jack plate. Nest we are going back to a three blade and trying a SST 13.875 x 17 for a base line. We started with a dealer loaner 14 x 19 OMC Aluminum prop at 5500 @ WOT and 49 MPH.........But would like to go with SS. Bob
Marlin	posted 07-28-2006 01:06 PM ET (US) Skipjack, You're getting 49 MPH out of an E-tec 115 on a 16 Dauntless??? Is that a GPS measurement, or just a speedo? -Bob
Skipjack 17	posted 07-28-2006 03:48 PM ET (US) No, our 17' 1993 Outrage
Skipjack 17	posted 07-28-2006 04:59 PM ET (US) That was a GPS measurement........Bob
Teak Oil	posted 07-28-2006 08:33 PM ET (US) Just because you have an E-Tec doesnt mean you can't use a Mercury prop. The Flo Torq hub will allow use on an Evinrude. Get a Trophy plus with 2" more pitch and you should have similar performance to before, with more top end and better mileage
Lagniappe	posted 07-28-2006 11:37 PM ET (US) Hello GeoWhaler - i currently run a johnson 115, and tried many many props. I settled on two - the viper in a 17", and compensated for the hole shot and high planning speeds with the addition of the TurboLift. I wanted the speed of the viper at crusing speeds for long runs offshore. The Turbolift allows me to plan at about 13mph, regardless of load and increased my speed from 39.6 to 43.2 by gps wide open on my OR17. If you haven't heard of the turbolift before - it is not a planning device, it is a water compression device. it bolts to the cavitation plate without driling, its concave design semi surrounds the prop and forces the prop wash back onto the prop reducing slippage and theirfore performance al-way-round. The other prop I use is a 4 blade 14 1/4" x 18 Turbo brand prop (Precision Propeller inc 317-545-9080), all of their products are supreme. i use this for towing skiers and tubing. It is about a third quicker out of the hole, definitely holds better in corners and awesome midrange acceleration - a little slower on top about 39. The 13 1/4" is designed for the V4's with the smaller gear bottom - so don't know which bottom end you have. Both turn about 5900 rpm lightly loaded in colder water - so when it is warmer and under load, they are right on the money at 5750 rpm. My 10 yr old johnson is getting a little tired, thinking of upgrading to the new E-Tec - do you think this will be a great motor for you once your proped right, ie performance, mpg, etc. ?
Sal DiMercurio	posted 07-29-2006 06:09 AM ET (US) Geowhaler, you keep mentioning a 4 blade prop,....Why do you think you need one? All it will do is get you on plane about 1 second sooner & maybe hold you on plane at a lower rpms but your top end will suffer. The Rebel prop is not for you the Viper is way over rated. In fact I rate the Viper very low. Rob [ Rather whalering ] is giving you the best advise with the Turbo 3 blade. Forget the 4 blade, you don't need it at all on a 16' boat with 115 hp. Sal
JayR	posted 07-29-2006 07:33 AM ET (US) Skipjack' Are you sure about that max RPM of 5200 on the 115 hp e-tec? According to Evinrudes web site specs here: http://www.evinrude.com/en-CA/Engines/2005/E-Tec/Freshwater.115/ Specifications/115/ it has a 5500 to 6000 WOT range.
Sal DiMercurio	posted 07-30-2006 01:17 AM ET (US) Jayr, he was talking about thats all the rpms he could get with that prop, not what the recommended maximum rpms are. Sal
Skipjack 17	posted 07-31-2006 12:10 PM ET (US) Yes JayR, I believe the Stiletto Bay Pro I 4-blade are good props but not for smaller gear cases (<5500 RPM @ WOT)like on out 115 E-TEC short shaft with 1:2 ratios. The long shaft and bigger V6 motors use larger gear cases and seem to be a good match for the 4-blade props. I’m going back to a 3-blade in hopefully SS. I’m trying a 13-7/8” x 17 OMC SST next and also looking at the Turbo props made by Stiletto. Ideally I’m shooting for a 5500+ rpm @ WOT. Which should be possible to dial in know that we have over 20 hours on the motor.
eros01	posted 08-17-2006 07:38 AM ET (US) Hello all guys, I have read your comments on props for the 115 hp E-Tec with great interest. I recently mounted my new E-Tec 115 on my [non-Boston Whaler 21-foot boat] which had earlier a Honda 90 four-stroke. I'm using the Viper 19 and I'm getting 24-kt at 3,800-RPM with no vibrations at all and well below the liter per "sea-mile". The [non-Whaler] is no speed boat, but I top 37 knots but with only 5.300 rpms at top. No problem, as I want to cruise at 24 without stress in the Stockholm archipelago. Do you think that a four-blade ProPulse composite prop would be any good for lower RPM at cruising speed??
VI Jamie 22	posted 08-19-2006 06:36 AM ET (US) Welcome to the Whalerholics Anonymous website.
eros01	posted 08-21-2006 04:27 AM ET (US) Hi there, [My non-Whaler boat is] 6.3 meters and approx 950 kilogrammes without engine. Perfect for two persons on a week-end camping tour (look at the link below). http://www.blocket.se/vi/9133252.htm?ca=11_s Erik
goinboatn	posted 08-21-2006 11:37 AM ET (US) Powertech has gotten amazing reviews on [another] forum.
Sal DiMercurio	posted 08-21-2006 12:09 PM ET (US) Forget the composite props. Geo, stay away from the Viper prop, they are lousy for your application. Sal
steve16bw	posted 08-22-2006 09:31 PM ET (US) geowhaler, I just purchased my very first 2000 DAUNTLESS 16 with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke. I took it out the first time. Felt the the motor was too big for the boat, but after reading, i think it could be various things, trim tabs, or prop. I think I have the same [problem] as you.