Shake down cruise.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 28th, 2004, 7:52 pm

Well last night was the start. Tried to check out the electronics, and no power to GPS or FF, but power to VHF. OK we are still going to Cherry Lake Saturday. Myself and knownutin (scott) took the first run. Guess i need to play with the trim a little more, (no trim guage) best on his handheld GPS was 38. The factory says a 206 with a 200 will run 50.

Next problem happens later in the day. 4 beeps on the alarm, not sure what problem this is, gotta get an owners manual. Anyway I serviced the oil tank last night, and I believe it throwing an air in the system alarm, If so how do I clear that. Still need some more experience to work it out, but no fishing in the gulf till its right.

Post by **Chalk** » August 28th, 2004, 9:46 pm

No break in period for the engine? If not sounds like the prop is off, 12 mph is alot to make up in trim..Make sure the anchor was up

Post by **Tom Keels** » August 28th, 2004, 10:07 pm

You are not going to make up 12 mph on trim. Maybe 7-8. Need to figure out what your RPMS are at WOT. Sounds like it might be overpropped. What's the prop size now?

I've never seen the need for a trim indicator. Use RPMS and your ears to figure your trim.

Don is it possible that in the rush to get the boat to you, the dealership forgot some stuff? I'd have that thing back to them when they open Monday.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 29th, 2004, 9:05 am

Chalk it was like a dealer demo. never registered with Merc, till now.
Prop says "Quicksilver 48 16 3/4 A5 17. So I figure its a 16 3/4 X 17.

Post by **Chalk** » August 29th, 2004, 9:25 am

Sounds like you might need a bigger wheel........
http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/005241.html#0

According to that post Mercury Marine has a calculator to figure the right prop for the boat, but I think the site is down, I can't access it anyhow....

Might do a search on FS..I have read a few post by Dunk, he is pretty good at calculating prop pitch/diameter based on RPMs....You need to keep an eye on the RPM's.....I read Scotts comments on the hot water and you didn't know the RPM's, you might of been running WOT trying to acheive the projected speed, but couldn't because the prop is too small and overheated the motor....

As others have said use your ear and feel the boat, if you trim it up too much it should start to porpoise and past that the prop will (should) blow out....

I suspect you need a 19-21 prop....Let us know what you come up with, I would check out the mecury site and call Key Largo and ask there recommended prop for the boat and motor...Don't depend on the dealer, he might be great, but Mercury and Key Largo will know what you need

Post by **manley** » August 29th, 2004, 3:46 pm

Chalk wrote:I read Scotts comments on the hot water and you didn't know the RPM's, you might of been running WOT trying to acheive the projected speed, but couldn't because the prop is too small and overheated the motor....

Chalk,
At that time, I know he had not been running WOT, little more than idle speed. Also, he's found out the overheat alarm for merc. is constant alarm. The "four beep" alarm is either fuel filter or oil warning. Since he had plenty of oil, let's hope it's the fuel filter.
Scott

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 29th, 2004, 4:24 pm

What it is, when you fill the oil if the cap is not real tight it can leak air and cause the alarm. Open the cowl and vent the problem and that should fix her.

Post by **Tidedancer** » August 29th, 2004, 6:22 pm

I think the prop is to small.

Don I bet you had a great hole shot. she got up and our in a hurry.

Right?

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 29th, 2004, 7:06 pm

She never made it to 5600 where it should be. I believe it needs a 19 pitch, tring to fina a prop calculator for this.

Post by **tin can** » August 29th, 2004, 8:47 pm

Don, is it an aluminum or stainless prop? If it's stainless, it's probably propped about right. A stainless prop has enough cup to equal 2" of pitch over an aluminum prop.

I just read your post stating it never got to 5600 rpm. If you go up in pitch the rpm will drop. How many rpm did it turn?
If it was in the 4800 rpm range, try trimming up and you'll probably gain the 800 rpm.

Having been a Mercury owner for years, I would suggest you not over prop the motor. Mercurys are known for blowing up if you load them up with too much prop. If you aren't turning 5600 to 5800 with the 17 pitch prop you have, you certainly don't want to go to a 19 pitch.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 30th, 2004, 6:41 am

Thanks TC. 4800 was bout where it was, I am gonna call the factory this morn and ask them what should be on there, then I will know if I need way more trim to do.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » August 30th, 2004, 10:23 am

Talked to the Diamond Eagle here and they say the 200 will never spin up enough for 16 3/4 X 17 prop, needs more like a 14 5/8 X 19. Any opinions.

Post by **Tom Keels** » August 30th, 2004, 10:30 am

That sounds better.

Post by **Chalk** » August 30th, 2004, 10:31 am

http://www.mercurymarine.com/prop_selector

Post by **Tom Keels** » August 30th, 2004, 10:39 am

Prop Selector
BoatType: Offshore Fishing
Performance Goal: Overall good performance
Estimated Boat Weight: 3280.
Estimated Top Speed: 50.9
Theoretical Pitch: 20.4
Black Max - Best economical all-purpose aluminum propeller (48-832832A45) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)
Laser II - Best bow lift & top speed for light boats (48-16546A46) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)
Mirage Plus - Excellent speed for high horsepower (48-13702A46) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)
VenSura (Offshore) - Water sports and sgl/twin light C-Consoles (48-825902A46) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)
Revolution 4 - Acceleration, mid-range cruising and top speed (48-857028A46) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)
Vengeance - Great general boating prop, 5X more durable than A (48-16318A46) Pitch: 21.0 (RH)