Looking for more performance.....

[Boatsnmore]

Pontoon is an 07 Avalon 22 Paradise RC RF triple tube with the high performance package, powered by a Mercury 250XS, Hydraulic Jackplate, and currently turning a Mirage Plus 15 X 17 at the rated RPMs.... turning 48.7 mph ..... and I'm wanting 50 plus.

I know.... traditional enthusiasts could care less about speed.... but we like it ... it's what we do and I'm sure there are more than just a handful of like same minded people....

Just set up a buddy's 09 Bentley Elete standard pontoon with only lifting strakes with the Merc 115 4 Stroke EFI with a similiar rigging set up ( hydraulic jackplate & SS prop ) and we got a respectable 35.9 top speed. I'm thinking the 250 should get me to 50

Any one with suggestions....????

[dockholiday]

The mirage plus is a good prop. That the first one I tried actually it was the same prop you have. I could only turn it to 5300rpm with the 150hp. I ended up with the enertia and it does real well. Bet the enertia in 18 or 19p would get you to 50 but it would be a costly 2mph gain.
The enertia got me to 40.5, the mirage at 5300 had me at around 38 didn't have a gps that day, but was using the smart gage.
doc

[Boatsnmore]

Thanks Doc....

Wanted a Tempest but they don't have a low enough pitch. Need some bow lift without excessive trim. I'll give the Enertia a try....

[WaltF]

Quit messing around and just strap (2) 300's on there, will ya!

[Boatsnmore]

The thought crossed my mind.... but judging by LTB's Fiesta rebuild.... it would be cheaper to buy a new boat.... personally I think that better performance where pontoons are concerned is still in the infancy stage in ALL of the manufacturer's engineering departments.... They seem to only concentrate their efforts on the deck / interior areas.... not a bad thing in itself. But sooner or later one of them will start to consider reprogramming their CAD programs to take performance to another level.....

In the meantime.... I'm stuck with the MAX HP Rating of 250.....

[dockholiday]

Might want to touch base with Bryan. He has tried many props on his Manitou with a 250 etec. Can't remember exactly but think he is in the high 50's or low 60's with his boat.
http://www.ezfender.com/contact.html
Seems like he was also working on fabrication of some water deflectors also.
doc