Need Prop Opinions

[Diamondjim]

I recently purchased a 2009 Sylvan 8520 Fish n Cruise that came with a 60 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. I have sold that motor and am replacing it with a 4 stroke Yamaha 115 SHO. The boat is rated for a 115 and is a 2 tube model.
I would like opinions on what pitch prop would match up with this combination. It will be a stainless steel prop. Also, what speed do you think it wil run. Typically it's just the wife and myself onboard. The max operating rpm for this motor is 6300.
The 60 hp pushed it 18.6 gps mph at 5200 rpm. I cannot find the pitch of that prop, I think it is covered up by the washer under the prop nut.
Thanks for your opinions. I'm waiting on the engine, it's in transit.
Jim.

[Bamaman]

It's hard to tell the model and pitch prop would be best for a 115 SHO on a pontoon. We're seeing them mainly on aluminum bass boats as that's the market Yamaha's attempting to get with that engine.

It'd be interesting to see what the difference in the new model F115 and the 115 SHO would be. I would think they've got different camshaft grinds to get horsepower at different rpm's. And of course the SHO is going to be a really pretty cowling and paint job. But is it worth the difference in money?

Unless the boat's got lifting strakes, it sounds like throwing good money after bad.

My local Mercury dealer sells the new model 115 hp fourstroke for $8K, and the Pro XS fourstroke for $8.2K without controls or installation. Although I've been a Yamaha guy since 1985, Mercury motors are often much less money (than Yamaha) when the dealer purchases the engine direct from the manufacturer.

On my F150, I'm running a Yamaha Reliance 15 pitch prop. I started out with a Yamaha M series 14 pitch prop, but I was missing 4 mph and was hitting the rev limiter @ 6300 rpm's. I would think the Reliance would be a preferred prop for a pontoon.

[Diamondjim]

Thanks for the input Bamaman. There really wasn't much difference in the price, only about $400. I've owned Mercs and Yamahas before but I took the recommendation of my marina owner who uses them on his rentals. He told me he has been very happy with the 115 SHO on some of his boats. From what I've read they are putting out close to 130 horses. I'm anxious to get it installed and see what it does. I am just looking for input on what prop might give me the best all around performance. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[rancherlee]

From what I've seen the 115 SHO is the same exact engine that's sold as the 130 sold overseas. Yamaha only markets SHO in the Americas, no 130 here. Love the paint job and the extra 10-12hp makes the extra cash a no brainer. The 115 class is a very hot market and just about all the manufactures have a "hot" 115 model now except Honda. I recently talked to a guy that repowered a late 90's 22' pontoon with a 115sho and he couldn't be happier, said he picked up 4-5mph over his old V4 Johnson 90 with 1/2 the fuel use. He claims 31mph on GPS which I'd believe.

[Diamondjim]

Thanks, rancherlee. From all the information that i've found on the SHO, what you said is spot on. There wasn't enough money difference to be a factor and I think I will be happy with this one. I am expecting it to come in toward the end of next week. Since I live in SW Arkansas, I still have a lot of boating time left. The fall is one of the best times to be on the lake. Thanks again, Jim.

[urbnsr]

It looks like Michigan prop comes up with either a 13-3/8" or 13-5/8" diameter and 15" pitch with either diameter.

[joe20toon]

I have a 2016 8520 Sylvan RPT (version 2.0) with the 4 stroke Yamaha 115 SHO. I'm very happy with the SHO and it cost around $300 more than the 'standard' 115. This Sylvan is rated for 120HP. Good to hear the 115 SHO is rated up to 130HP. I wasn't sure of that... i topped out at 37mph on GPS. I forgot the exact pitch and diameter of the aluminum prop the dealer put on. The RPM's are slightly low at 5600 to 5800. I'd like to reach 6300rpm.

Jim, I think you are going to really like that SHO!