Motor setup on 175 TXW w/new 75 four stroke.

[upnorthbacon]

I have a 2016 175 TXW with 75hp four stroke.  I'm getting 42mph gps right at about 5900 rpms with myself and two kids.  I'd say we're at 500lbs total weight between the three of us plus fishing gear and full tank of gas.  It's a 17p black max stock prop.  I'm not dissatisfied but would always like a little more.  The boat is only for straight line to the fishing holes, not pulling tubes or anything like that.  I'm currently in the second hole down in the motor.  I'd like to raise it up to the third hole and see how it runs.  I'm guessing I'll pick up a couple hundred RPM's and then maybe re-prop to an 18p or 19p?

Tonight I'm going to check my ride plate to see where it is in relation to the bottom of the boat.  My understanding is just slightly above the bottom will be the most efficient for top end?

My other concern is water pressure with the motor raised up more.  I thought about putting a water pressure gauge on, and was wondering if being a smart craft motor can I just swap to a smart craft gauge?  If so, how difficult is that?  Just plug and play with a new harness and gauge?  If not I'm guessing somewhere there's a kit to install one on my motor?

My motor is the newer four stroke model so I can't find much information about setup on my boat.  Anyone else who has suggestions based on their setup please let me know!  Thanks!

[Mike Cork]

Your in some uncharted territory, so slow experimenting is going to be your best bet. Most motor hieght adjustments should be done with your prop shaft and not the cavitation plate. Standard is the prop shaft is 3 to 4 inches below the pad of the boat. Your boat should fit in there somewhere.

[blackbird]

Hi!
I´m a newbie at the forum and sorry in first, about my english, because isnt my native language!
I live in Europe, and recently i´ve buy a new 2016 Tracker 175 TXW for bass fishng. I rigged it with a 100HP new Mercury.
I´ve a similar problem, I expect more speed for the rig. With a 19" pitch prop, the better is about 42 knots with 2 person. I kwon, the motor is new and need to be runned to improve the rotation...
I havnt mutch time yet  to try another holes in the transon, but Im sure it would be necessary up the motor, to take more performance and fuel efficiency. Thanks Mike Cork, for the help!
I hope this weekend try anothers configurations, and I will give news here!
Thanks too, to accept me at the fórum!

[upnorthbacon]

I think the second hole is probably pretty good.  I can't trim up much when I get on plane before I'm feeling it start to slip and blow out.  I may play with it more, but I'm happy right now.  I'd like to try a spitfire prop to see how that works.

[blackbird]

For 75 HP, the speed you have noticied, it would be almost right, near the best performance. But you must try up the motor, yes, and check the results.
In my situation, I´ve more 25 HP in back, and it must need improve the final end speed, and of course fuel efficiency. In Europe the gas its most expensive than US
In several internet information, we can find the same what Mike´s suggest.

[fishandkamp]

First according to Mercury's website your engine wide open throttle is rated from 4500 to 5500. So you are at risk of damaging your motor as is. Check the tag on the motor bracket next to the trim assembly. Understand most aluminum props need to run deeper than stainless steel props so the usual recommendation is to have the anti cav plate equal to or just a touch below the bottom of the V of the hull.  I would not raise it any myself. I also would consider changing to smart gauges or the cheaper route may be to give up the phone area on the dash an add an analog gauge there.   I run a 75 Merc 2 stroke on my Lowe Stinger 170 (about the same size but a heavier hull). For a performance prop look at a Hustler prop by Turning Point Propellers .  The blades have been performance tuned and it has vent holes to aid in a fast take off.  I got mine from my local West Marine.  The prop is available in a 13,25 by both a 19 pitch and a 21 pitch.  We already know you are running almost 400 rpm too high.  One inch of pitch is usually equal to 200 rpm so I think the 13.25 by 21 would be a good choice. If you drop a little more than 400 rpm you will fall right into the correct window anyway.  The prop runs $99.00 and the hub kit costs $53.00.  So for less than $160  you are ready to go. 

[Oldfart9999]

Hi!
I´m a newbie at the forum and sorry in first, about my english, because isnt my native language!
I live in Europe, and recently i´ve buy a new 2016 Tracker 175 TXW for bass fishng. I rigged it with a 100HP new Mercury.
I´ve a similar problem, I expect more speed for the rig. With a 19" pitch prop, the better is about 42 knots with 2 person. I kwon, the motor is new and need to be runned to improve the rotation...
I havnt mutch time yet  to try another holes in the transon, but Im sure it would be necessary up the motor, to take more performance and fuel efficiency. Thanks Mike Cork, for the help!
I hope this weekend try anothers configurations, and I will give news here!
Thanks too, to accept me at the fórum!

How are you running a 100 hp motor on a boat rated for a 75 hp motor, it isn't a safe thing to do. Over here the Coast Guard has no sense of humor about it.
Rodney

[upnorthbacon]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm going to recheck my rpm's to see if I'm right.  I may have been lower than what I first stated.  I'm having so much fun fishing I haven't been out tinkering with my setup.

[blackbird]

Hi, Rodney
Well, the recomended HP for the 175 TXW is 75 HP, right! But is "recomended", not the maximum HP. I chose the 100HP because the weight of the 80, 100, 115 Mercury´s is the same. For me, that´s a realy important question.
In this case and my recent experience with the rig, I can tell there aren´t any problem or safety question with.
If you look at Youtube, you can easly find a movie about one 2016 TXW running a 115HP CT.
Thanks for the help.