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Author Topic:   Prop Selection - Dauntless 180

Kanawha1 posted 08-20-2009 07:45 PM ET (US)
Okay, after culling through the records I don't want to beat a dead horse but, I have a 1998 Dauntless 180 w/150 Optimax. It came from the dealer with a 14.25 X 21 Rapture prop. which (I believe) is the incorrect prop (it's never regisgtered any hours over 5,000 RPM). Its maximum speed is ~44 MPH (via GPS) at ~ 4,200 or so RPM, no where near its WOT.
I can live with the prop and its properties, I just don't want to lug the engine. From what I've read, particularly from Mr. Clark, I probably need a 14.25" X 17 prop. Any help here? No one around here is willing to loan out props for testing.
I usually boat alone (dough boy) when fishing but sometimes have my wife (skinny) and 8 year old son (very skinny) aboard. Thus I don't load it much more than fuel and basic junk.
masbama posted 08-20-2009 08:57 PM ET (US)
I changed my 1999 Dauntless 18' prop from a 16' 4 blade to a Stiletto 14.25x17" 3 blade. The 4 blade was over-revving and had poor economy. This 3 blade is perfect! Better hole shot too!
Tom W Clark posted 08-20-2009 10:33 PM ET (US)
Yeah, that is way too much pitch.
I'd try a 14-1/4" x 18" Mercury Enertia or a 14-1/4" x 17" Stiletto Advantage 4.25 or Turbo 1.
18 Ventura posted 08-21-2009 10:18 AM ET (US)
I believe we have the same hull (1999 18’ Ventura), but my motor is a 135 OptiMax, not a 150. Based on comments from Tom and a few others, I purchased a 15P Revolution 4 propeller this winter. I’ve been running this propeller for most of the season and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. Feels like a different boat. Tom is the guru, so I’m sure his recommendations are solid. Based on my own experience, however, you might want to consider adding a 17P Revolution 4 to your short list.
Tom W Clark posted 08-21-2009 11:09 AM ET (US)
Yes, a 17" Rev 4 would be worth a try but I suspect it will be a bit too much prop for that boat.
Try anything you can get your hands on; that is the only way you will really know how it will perform on your boat.
18 Ventura posted 08-21-2009 01:44 PM ET (US)
Like I said, Tom knows his propellers so I’d take his advice over mine. If you’re anywhere near the North Shore of MA, you’re more than welcome to try my old (now spare) 17P MiragePlus. Probably not the answer, but it might help you to dial in the proper prop.

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Author	Topic: Prop Selection - Dauntless 180
Kanawha1	posted 08-20-2009 07:45 PM ET (US) Okay, after culling through the records I don't want to beat a dead horse but, I have a 1998 Dauntless 180 w/150 Optimax. It came from the dealer with a 14.25 X 21 Rapture prop. which (I believe) is the incorrect prop (it's never regisgtered any hours over 5,000 RPM). Its maximum speed is ~44 MPH (via GPS) at ~ 4,200 or so RPM, no where near its WOT. I can live with the prop and its properties, I just don't want to lug the engine. From what I've read, particularly from Mr. Clark, I probably need a 14.25" X 17 prop. Any help here? No one around here is willing to loan out props for testing. I usually boat alone (dough boy) when fishing but sometimes have my wife (skinny) and 8 year old son (very skinny) aboard. Thus I don't load it much more than fuel and basic junk.
masbama	posted 08-20-2009 08:57 PM ET (US) I changed my 1999 Dauntless 18' prop from a 16' 4 blade to a Stiletto 14.25x17" 3 blade. The 4 blade was over-revving and had poor economy. This 3 blade is perfect! Better hole shot too!
Tom W Clark	posted 08-20-2009 10:33 PM ET (US) Yeah, that is way too much pitch. I'd try a 14-1/4" x 18" Mercury Enertia or a 14-1/4" x 17" Stiletto Advantage 4.25 or Turbo 1.
18 Ventura	posted 08-21-2009 10:18 AM ET (US) I believe we have the same hull (1999 18’ Ventura), but my motor is a 135 OptiMax, not a 150. Based on comments from Tom and a few others, I purchased a 15P Revolution 4 propeller this winter. I’ve been running this propeller for most of the season and I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. Feels like a different boat. Tom is the guru, so I’m sure his recommendations are solid. Based on my own experience, however, you might want to consider adding a 17P Revolution 4 to your short list.
Tom W Clark	posted 08-21-2009 11:09 AM ET (US) Yes, a 17" Rev 4 would be worth a try but I suspect it will be a bit too much prop for that boat. Try anything you can get your hands on; that is the only way you will really know how it will perform on your boat.
18 Ventura	posted 08-21-2009 01:44 PM ET (US) Like I said, Tom knows his propellers so I’d take his advice over mine. If you’re anywhere near the North Shore of MA, you’re more than welcome to try my old (now spare) 17P MiragePlus. Probably not the answer, but it might help you to dial in the proper prop.