Confused about props

I currently have a 25ft center console with a 250 Honda outboard. It performs pretty well with the stock prop (Solas 9531-140-21). A little slow out of the hole when fully loaded and tops out at about 50 mph and 6000 rpm's.
I found a Mercury Enertia ECO 20.5 pitch and tried it thinking it would be a little better out of the hole (less pitch) and get better mid range fuel economy.
The surprise is it crawls out of the hole now and only runs 41-42 mph and 5000 rpm's! Is the Solas slipping that much?

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Chris

It’s not always the pitch only that makes the difference. Diameter can play into it along with blade design. I have 3 stainless props by different manufactures, all same dis and pitch. Get 3 different hole shots,top speeds and at idle speed. So I picked the one that suits what I do the best. I know nothing about that particular prop but if it dropped your rpm that much it must be getting a heck of a bite on the water. Is your solis alum or stainless? What about the eco.

Both props are stainless but the enertia eco is huge.


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I’m betting it’s designed for a total different application. That’s an awful lot of boat for a 250. Used to fish out of a friends 23 center console with a 300 and it was what I would call slow out of the hole. Those are just not a jump on top of the water design hull. Sounds like your getting plenty of rpm from original prop. Might try raising motor a 1/2 in or so and see if that helps or maybe a 4 blade of same or 1 in lesser pitch.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cray

...or maybe a 4 blade of same or 1 in lesser pitch.

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This is what I vote for! A 4 blade will make it feel like a totally different boat! And I agree, that's a lot of boat for a 250 hp with only a 3 blade. A 4 blade provides a little more stern lift, and also allows for better control and more throttle response when navigating in really rough water.

I just looked up the ECO prop, it has the PVS system, have you tried different combinations of plugs yet? That makes a bid difference.

From the website..........

The all new Mercury Racing™ Enertia ECO XP propeller provides "Extreme Precision" when dialing in engine speed for maximized power output and efficiency. Based on the award winning Mercury™ Enertia EXO propeller, the ECO XP is particularly helpful in spooling up Mercury Verado 300 and 350 and Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboards to their full potential on recreational bay boats and offshore center consoles.
Mercury Racing propeller artisians customize blade cups to offer 16.5", 18.5", 20.5", and 22.5" pitch sizes to compliment the Mercury Enertia ECO line, ranging from 17" to 23" pitch in two inch increments.
The 3-blade stainless steel prop features the Mercury patented Performance Vent System™ (PVS). PVS enables the user to fine tune the amount of venting needed for quick planing. The standard length exhaust tube, in addition to reducing the time-to-plane, also provides stern lift for maximum hull performance and an improved ride in a variety of conditions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cray

I’m betting it’s designed for a total different application. That’s an awful lot of boat for a 250. Used to fish out of a friends 23 center console with a 300 and it was what I would call slow out of the hole. Those are just not a jump on top of the water design hull. Sounds like your getting plenty of rpm from original prop. Might try raising motor a 1/2 in or so and see if that helps or maybe a 4 blade of same or 1 in lesser pitch.

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Beat me to it. 4 blade was going to be my advise as well if concerned with hole shot. I would guess you’ll need to drop at least one pitch like Cray said as well.

Your Solas is a 14" Diameter, the Eco is a 16", big difference there

I don't think I brought enough bullets to the gunfight..... Looks like it's for 300+ HP. Even if I change the PVS plugs and get it out of the hole better, 5000 rpms ain't enuf.

Thanks guys!
Chris