Mercury Spitfire
 

I have a 1995 Mariah Barchetta z192 with a 4.3lx. It runs great, however it's a dog coming out of the hole with or without pulling someone. I am currently running a 3 blade aluminum prop (not sure of pitch and size, its still in storage). I was looking at the mercury spitfire 4 blade, any suggestions? thanks for your time.

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

Need to know existing prop size and your WOT(wide open throttle) rpms now , before we can do you much good.:yes_grin:
Most are running a 20P 4 blade on that engine/drive combo , unless your at high altitude then I'd run a 17P.:)

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

I am currently running the following prop:
Black Max #48-78122A40
21P
13 3/4"

I believe my WOT was 4600 -4800. Thanks for your time.

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

Your in the sweet spot as far as normal usage.
You want more out of the hole , switch to a 4 blade 20P and add a set of SMART TABS.
If your going to be doing a lot of skiing/tubing , gotta have the 4 blade.:yes_grin:
You'll lose a bit of speed on the topend , but it is well worth the tradeoff.
It'll be a rocket out of the hole.:eek_animated:
Personally , I'd try the Smart Tabs first.
Then add the prop after a good test day if you want more grunt.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

Thank you for your time. We like to do alot of skiing and tubbing.

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

I have a 21 pitch on my 1995 barchetta 180 with a 4.3l also I'm not worried about top speed most of the time will be spent pulling tubes or putting around the lake. I have read the sticky's and still unsure what I want I am leaning toward a 4 blade 19 or 18 would that put me too high rmps?


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Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

What is your WOT with the 21P?

Mercury Spitfire
 

I'm thinking around 4000 to 4300 but that is remembering from last year took it out last weekend but 4 ft whitecaps scared me before getting wot. I just ordered smart tabs but thinking I need to change props too.


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Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

You need to be in the 4400-4800 rpm range.
Dropping to a 19P will net you another 200 rpm , 18P about 300 rpm.
That will put you around 4500-4600 or so , if you are at 4300 rpm now.
Right in the sweet spot.

Might even try a 17P if you want more grunt , but the Smart Tabs will get you up in a heartbeat!:yes_grin:

Re: Mercury Spitfire
 

Thanks for the help this is my first boat I am the second owner and the first owner only used it one week a year and kept it covered the rest of the time. I'm looking forward to getting on the water a lot this summer.



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