CONTINUOUSWAVE

I have the MIRAGE plus 17-pitch. I got it in a swap for the MIRAGE plus 15-pitch. I thought the 15-pitch MIRAGE plus propeller was too low-pitched for our set up. [With the MIRAGE plus 15-pitch] the [OptiMax 135-HP] engine speed would accelerate very rapidly and accelerate to an engine speed that wa...

The Turning Point propeller is a three-blade propeller. The manufacturer told me it has a decent amount of rake and cup. They will not give out the exact dimensions through. I already have the MIRAGE plus. I (essentially) got it for free. The Mercury OptiMax 135-HP engine [originally] came with a MI...

Q1: for a 2000 VENTURA 18 with a Mercury OptiMax 135-HP engine, what will be the advantage of switching to a used Mercury MIRAGE plus 15.5 x17-pitch propeller from the current Turning Point HUSTLER aluminum 14.25 x 17-pitch propeller? Q2: for a 2000 VENTURA 18 with a Mercury OptiMax 135-HP engine, w...

45 gallons

Update: I was able to test a new propeller, [an aluminum] Turning Point Hustler 14.25 x 17-pitch. The 2000 18 VENTURA fuel tank was full and only I was aboard. With the Turning Point Hustler 14.25 x 17-pitch [aluminum] propeller, the Mercury OptiMax 135-HP engine was able to accelerate to 5,800-RPM ...

The engine came with the boat new so it is also a 2000. The ratio is 2:1. The WOT range is 5000 to 5600. We only took the boat a few times after we got it in the fall and the one time I ran it wide open it did not seem like it like being at 6000. It felt like it backed down the rpm's quickly. It did...

I have a 2000 Ventura 18 with a 135 Optimax that we bought in Fall 2021. The propeller is a MIRAGE plus 15-pitch. We have only run the boat a few times. In testing with two adults aboard and a half-tank of fuel, the engine accelerates to 6,000-RPM and boat speed is 37-MPH. The boat feels over-proppe...

Q1: will the ride be much different on a 2000 VENTURA 18 compared to a 2001 DAUNTLESS 16? BACKSTORY I may sell my 2001 DAUNTLESS 16 and get a larger boat. The 2001 DAUNTLESS 16 has been a great boat--and I love it--but when the wave height is greater than two-feet at times I feel limited. The 2001 D...

Thanks Butch. I have read some on the topic of engine mounting height. I'm not ruling out [changing engine mounting height] for sure. Right now the [Anti-Ventilation] plate is 1.5-inches above the keel. I may raise the engine mounting height by one-hole. I want to see how much difference a new prope...

After reading some reviews [on the c.2000 Mercury 115-HP 2+2 engine] I think [buying a used one] would not be the right move for us. I would like to move to a 115-HP engine at some point. The DAUNTLESS 16 performance would benefit from an additional 25-HP and increased torque. I like the E-TEC. Base...

What is [expected improvement in performance that may result by re-powering] a 2001 DAUNTLESS 16 with a 2000 Mercury 115 two-stroke-power-cycle engine from a Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine of similar age? My cost will be $1000 or less. The 115-HP engine is about 45 lbs heavier than the ...

Luc--does [your DAUNTLESS 16 boat] have a notch in the [hull at the transom]? The 2001 [DAUNTLESS 16] has a notch [in the hull at the transom]. [With an engine mounting height of two-holes-up on a 2001 DAUNTLESS 16] the [engine's anti-ventilation] plate is above the bottom of the keel, but below the...

Nothing is guaranteed but I'm 99% sure I will get a new stainless steel propeller. The opinions on this thread that it will improve performance are very convincing. As mentioned, based on recommendations, I really like the Turbo 1 in the same diameter and pitch (13.25 x 17) as I have now. More recen...

I guess [the outcome of the cylinder pressure test] tells [me] that the engine has some life left and a new stainless steel propeller would be a good investment.

Since I stated that I was going to do the test, I thought I would share the results.

I [measured the cylinder pressure on October 23, 2020] with the engine hot, throttle at half, and safety lanyard switch off. Top [and middle] cylinders [measured] 120-PSI; the bottom [cylinder measured] 115-PSI. [These measured values of cylinder pressure to me] seem pretty good for a 20-year-old en...

Thanks everyone for your feedback I find this forum very helpful. Appears unanimous that changing to a stainless steel prop will make a noticeable difference. Also, seems like I should stick with the 13.25 x 17P versus going up to a 19P. From what read, Luc, you are using a vented prop. You have the...

The boat was pulled out of the water for the end of season in October, 2020. I found out the current prop is a Quicksilver Black Dimond aluminum 13.25 x 17P (QA3036X). Next Spring I may want to get a stainless steel propeller. I think the Turbo 1 13.25 x 17P might be the best option. Should the pitc...

Thanks Bob Definitely getting a stainless steel propeller in 2021. The one that's on there right now has seen better days. I can see slight warping in one if not all the blades. I have an old aluminum 19p I could try out to see how it preforms before I buy a new SS one. I was reading that a vented p...

Thanks for the responses, everyone. The information shared will be very helpful with set-up for next season.

ASIDE: Luc—I went to Brittany about 25 years ago. I remember it being a beautiful place.

So it appears the only difference is you have you engine down one hole and probably a better propeller. Seems like [making those changes to my boat will be] worth a try. [Does the engine have any problems in] engine cooling? [Does the propeller have any problems] maintaining a good grip in heavier s...

The prop is a 3 blade aluminum. I will try and figure out the make model. The engine is raised one hole from the top. I think this is the two hole. I'm not sure of the actual height. WOT range per manufacturer is 5000 to 5500. I plan on checking the compression when we pull the boat for the season n...

I have a 2001 Dauntless 16 with a 2000 Mercury 90 two-stroke-power-cycle engine. The carburetors were recently tuned. The spark plugs were recently replaced. The engine mounting height is one-hole-up. The propeller is 12.25-inch diameter and 17-pitch. The propeller is at least five years old and of ...