posted 08-19-2010 07:02 PM ET (US)            

Prior to the SST I was using a 17-pitch Mercury MIRAGEplus. I switched to the SST because the MIRAGEplus produced a lousy ride in a chop. It would lose its grip and then have a terrible time getting it back. I don't get any of that with the SST.

What 19-pitch propeller are you currently using?

posted 08-19-2010 07:33 PM ET (US)            

After searching this site thoroughly I couldn't find any results for the Outrage 18/Revolution4 combo. I recently acquired an almost virgin Outrage 18, no bottom paint, 1989 Johnson 150 VRO with very low hours for next to nothing. I've spent almost no money on the boat so I want to experiment a little with this prop. After reading as much as I can find about the Rev4 it doesn't seem to lose top end like the general rule that a 4 blade will lose top end over a 3 blade.

My current prop...embarrassingly, I don't have the specifics here with me. I hate to come to the discussion with no data. It's a black painted aluminum prop with some dings in the leading edge. The motor is currently set at one hole up. I'll test there and then go up one more hole to test again.
-Joe

posted 08-23-2010 09:05 AM ET (US)            

Motor height will have an impact on propeller performance in a chop. Years ago when I had my first Outrage 18, the Johnson 150 on the transom of that boat was originally mounted two holes up and was turning an OMC Raker (a bass boat propeller). The Raker is a propeller with significant rake and its blade shape is sort of a cross between the SST and the Mirage Plus. It had somewhat difficult time recovering grip in a chop to point where I lowered the motor to one hole up. The ride in a chop was improved by doing that but with a loss of top speed.

In the case of my 2nd and current Outrage 18, the motor is mounted two holes up. In the case of my Whaler 27 WD, the motors are mounted one hole up but its difficult to determine what that means relative to a boat without a Whaler Drive given that there is a step in the hull form about three feet in front of the motors. The Mirage Plus I have yields a lousy ride in a chop on both boats. This is a result of its abrupt (like dropping a clutch) on-plane transition characteristics.

I also observe in the case of your Revenge 22 WD that you've added about 80 lbs to the stern with the repower. That is likely to make the transom sit lower in the water and provide better grip. My belief, based on observing the static trim of the Revenge 22 WD with a single 450 lb outboard is that Whaler expected that boat to have the weight of twin 115 to 150 HP outboards (about 700 to 800 lbs) on the transom.

I agree with Larry. The Rev 4 propeller is too much propeller for the Outrage 18. I also disagree with Larry, the OMC gearcase can handle the propeller no problem.

From the propeller testing I've done on the Outrage 18 plus Johnson 150, I've found that good overall performance (a blend of speed, comfort, efficiency, shifting quietness and durability) can be had from the 14 1/2 x 19 OMC SST II. These can be found in good condition on eBay for under $200.

posted 08-23-2010 06:31 PM ET (US)         

Here's a 19" Mercury Laser II running on my 1975 Outrage 19.
ALthough they are one of Mercury's oldest design props, in the 4-3/4" hub sizes, they are still recommended for lightweight boats 19' and less, with a lot of power.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2019/?action=view& current=Merc150.mp4

posted 08-23-2010 08:06 PM ET (US)            

Also, the 17-pitch was too much for my motor. Mercury discovered it was too much for the L6 VERADO motors, too, so they whipped up a 15-pitch REVOLUTION4 propeller so that the single-engine VERADO powered 22 to 24-foot boats could use one.

I would not mind trying a REVOLUTION4 on my E-TEC 225-HP if I could get a hub adaptor with some torsion bars to take the KLUNK out.

posted 08-25-2010 06:26 PM ET (US)         

If Peter is correct, your new engine's new design gearcase should handle the Rev-4. Mercury only makes the Flo-Torq-4 hub for L4 Merc Verado's and 2.5 liter 2-strokes. (but will fit a Yamaha also).

posted 08-25-2010 09:50 PM ET (US)            

I agree it is not the right prop for an Outrage 18 and a 150.

I do not agree that it "is *WAY* too much prop", merely not optimal.

The Revolution 4 in a 17" pitch weighs 17 pounds with its hub kit. I don't care what outboard you put it on, it will "clunk" when you shift into gear with a standard Flo-Torq II hub kit.

There is nothing about an OMC or BRP V-6 gearcase that prevents it from handling a Rev 4 propeller.

I have tried a couple of different set if Rev 4s on my own Mercury 150 HP outboards and they clunk when shifted. No surprise there.

For an Outrage 18, I recommend the aforementioned Laser II, Stiletto Advantage or Turbo 1, all very similar propeller designs.

posted 08-25-2010 10:31 PM ET (US)         

This guy seems to have really good prices, and cheap shipping, on Mercury Quicksilver branded props such as the Lightspeed. From what I can tell, the Lightspeed's are the same as the newer Laser II's, except they are made from the previous casting which has the older style square venting, instead of the newer PVS system of variable venting inserts.

posted 08-26-2010 12:57 PM ET (US)            

I appreciate everyone's input but there is only one way to find out if I like the prop on the Outrage 18, for me to try it. I really see no theoretical disadvantages to the prop/boat combination.

Even if I lost 2knts top speed, which doesn't seem to be the case from other's results, the boat will still be scary fast. I'm not too worried about the shift clunk, a little more concerned about prop rattle at idle (trolling). I also see no problem with the hull lift/stern lift. It seems to me it would ride better above the chop and also allow me to keep the bow down and into the waves if desired.

posted 09-11-2010 12:28 PM ET (US)            

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/007207.html