18SF mounting height/prop for ETEC 150

[steel686]

I’m still working on limited hours to asess my setup after the rebuild. After reading and following for a few years, I understand the value of a 4 blade for stern lift. Mounting height target seemed to be in the 2” above the keel range and I pushed for that on install directions. Looks like it landed about 2 1/2” above. Before, with the DF140 and a 4 blade Powertech I could power up trimmed in the middle and continue through the range. Right now I need to trim it way down or it blows out on the way out of the hole. Before I drop it down a hole (3/4”) does anyone have any thoughts on the OMC Renegade? (14.5x17) Think I remember Kmoose being a big Merc prop guy. Anyone else?

[dirtwheelsfl]

I tried a 4 blade on my 19 and didnt like it, it lifted the boat TOO much. I can actually raise this 3 blade much higher than the 4 Blade without blowing out. Im running an RX3 in a 19 pitch. Its the old Rebel with some tweaks. I may have it massaged to an 18 at some point...

Its happy anywhere from full down on the jackplate (about 1.5” above keel) to as much as 3” up on the plate (4.5” above keel). I usually run it about 25% trim depending on the load. Im not sure if the RX3 will fit the G1 though, it was developed for the G2. See if you can find a Rebel to try...

[fishstu]

I am looking at moving my motor up - not sure the height of cav. plate is relative to the hull keel - boat is in slip right now.

The 150 Etec on my 20 SC with a SS 4B 14.5 x 15P BRP Cyclone limits out around 40 mph at 5000 / 5100 rpm which I think 5500/5750 would be the optimal top end.
Otherwise the boat runs great, tends to propose a bit until I trim motor and use trim tabs.

I will post more when I take measurements - the 18 SC is very similar to the 20 SC.

Your current height of 2 1/2 inches above the keel doesn't sound too high from what I have read- another prop may work better - or maybe lowering one hole might be the sweet spot.

The boat next to me just had a rebuilt transom and a stainless marine bracket fitted to replace his old bracket. His old prop did not work well at all, at first it looked like the engine was too high compared to the original height before the work - but the guy that did the work took a ride and said- nope the engine is at the right height need to change the prop. He changed the prop - completely different boat, problem solved.

His old transom and bracket were water logged with maybe 500 lbs of water which changed every thing. His situation got me thinking about mine

[steel686]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was hoping my Ficht-era leftover prop would be the answer….salvage something after that loss. Will probably still drop it one hole and test it while I try to find different options. Chris - i will try to source a Rebel (assuming 15 1/4 x 19 to start). I don’t know where you ended up on your 19 but I was (+/-) 1420 lbs dry after the rebuild. Wish I had weighed it before I started stripping it down but when your ready it just goes. Fishstu - will keep my eyes open for your thread. Hopefully add some numbers in the next few weeks.

[dirtwheelsfl]

I didnt weigh mine either. They always end up a bit heavier than original due to the overbuilding.

I might try a 17, the G1 has a different gear ratio than the G2... I did run a Rebel on the G2 too and it worked well but the RX3 just seems to grip better. I hear good things about rhe Enertia Eco too.