lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

[Thumpbass]

I just bought a '98 Tracker pro team 185 with a 90hp Merc (90ELPTO). I am only getting about 4700 rpms at WOT trimmed all the way out. Just wondering if I should address this lugging issue by lowering the pitch of my prop or raising the motor on the transom. It has a 26P 3 blade SS prop right now so Im assuming I can get the rpms up by dropping down to around a 22P but seems like I've read that propping down isnt always the best solution if the motor is mounted too low on the transom (its mounted thru the second set of holes from the top of the bracket). Also I am only running at 39mph GPS at wot so Im thinking propping down will lower my top end speed (yet raising rpms) but I would think that this boat w the motor propped and mounted correctly should do 40-45mph at 5500rpms (i could be wrong).
Also water does come over the splash well when stopping/coming off plane (I just nudge forward to out run the splash)...is this a symptom of an impropper motor/prop set up as well? Thanks

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

The cavitation plate should be flush with the bottom of the hull with the motor trimmed down.

As for the pitch prop, there are better suited people on here for that.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

Before changing prop pitch you want to make sure that the engine is performing it's best.

Test compression to ensure the pistons and rings are capable, over 100 psi and within 10% or less of each other.

Test spark, bright hot blue 'Crack' 7/16 inch or more.

Clean carbs and a good fuel pump.

After this complete check up and tune up only then can you determine if the prop is too much for your application.

 

[Thumpbass]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

talked to a local mercury marine mechanic today and explained my situation. his immediate response was that a 26 was pretty high for a 90hp. said the 26 was a more common application on the 115/125 etc. he recomended propping down closer to a 22P. he had the oportunity to recomend carb rebuilding/cleaning, tune up type things to which obviouslly would have charged me for not to mention he didn't have a prop to sell me so i'm inclined to believe this was his honest opinion as opposed to recomending solutions that he would've made money off of (especailly considering the economy). any thoughts?

 

[jeffdjpeat]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

whats wrong with 40 mp/h?? are you trying to race the fish to their resting areas? lol
i have a 15 foot fiberglass bow-rider, with a 60 hp merc, im lucky to get 30mp/h and it is running great. im satisfied.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

Make sure your set up is good before changing prop. Motor height, trim, load distribution etc. Make sure motor is tuned O.K.
Does seem that it is over propped to me though on first instinct.

 

[Thumpbass]

Re: lugging solution for 18' Tracker w/90 merc

whats wrong with 40 mp/h?? are you trying to race the fish to their resting areas? lol
i have a 15 foot fiberglass bow-rider, with a 60 hp merc, im lucky to get 30mp/h and it is running great. im satisfied.

nothing's wrong with 40mph...i want it to do 40mph at 5500rpms...like it should