1973 23' cc with bracket performance??

[Bigshrimpin]

I have tried many different props, i can turn a 19 high enough but i dont get anymore speed than a 17 mirage. whenever i hit 33-34 mph the motor isnt getting enough water, the guage bounces around and eventually runs hot. I have the 225 merc mounted as low as possible on the bracket and it is in the water when on plane. do any of you guys have a 23' with bracket? and where are things positioned? i know i can get more than 35 mph out of her but not with heat issues.

Tbag - You gotta fix the motor overheat issue before you play with props. You can check the cavitation plate and make sure it's at least 3" - 5" up from the bottom of the boat (b/c of 30" setback). assuming that fine . . . start addressing the problem by replacing the water pump (impeller and housing) just to be safe . . . and see if that take care of the overheating problem. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself then find someone to look over the engine (check compession or do a leakdown test, clean carbs (if it's not an EFI), check plugs for lean condition (ashy color), Etc. You get the idea . . . once you think the motor is running well . . . you can mess with props.

[riptide]

I have a 3liter 225 Merc on my Sceptre with a Mirage plus 15" pitch prop. It jumps right up on plane and tops out at 42 mph at 5500 rpm.

[bbh57]

Armstrong only recomends 2 1/2 of lift on a 30" setback

[thehermit]

Well...recently I have studied this TOPIC quite a bit.

[travisrandall]

The motor was running on a 19' center console a week before and @6000 had no heat issues. I measured/eyeballed with a level and tape from the bottom of the hull to the top of the bracket and its about 25". might be too high, but when you take a straight edge from the hull bottom the cavitation/aeration plate is 3.5-4" above hull line. I have been trying to push a 21" prop and I know it is slipping like crazy maybe making too much turbulence and disturbing water flow. Im going to try a 15" prop and see what happens.