2013 Legend Alpha 211R Merc Pro XS 250

Mike Cork · December 13, 2015, 11:41:50 AM

I've run a lot of legends but this is one of the first 211R models, it's really a 2014 boat built in August of 13.

My previous Legends ran about 3.5 inches below pad. This one performs best at 1.75 below pad, considerably higher for this particular boat. Previous boats performed best with a Fury 25p. I've bounced between the 25 and 26 pitch Fury on this boat and my results are such.

Both props blow out as the bow noses over on take off. At 1.75 below pad I can reach 5800 RPM max with two people and full livewells I run about 69. Two people and perfect water and cool air, no water in livewells, I'll hit 70. If I drop the motor to prevent the blow out I loose RPM and speed.

I can't reach the 6k mark in RPM. Boat stability is excellent, cornering is like being on rails. Just feel like I can get more top end out of this since I'm not maxing RPM's?

Suggestions?

caddyjoe77 · December 14, 2015, 05:06:08 AM

Mike, I have the same issue on my Ranger. I lowered my motor a bit and it didnt really help. Not to jack your thread, but I will definitely be paying attention to what is suggested here.

I too, have a 25 Tempest.

Mike Bush · December 14, 2015, 07:09:29 PM

Whats max on Rs for motor? 6k?

I would run a worked Tempest + honestly. Those Furys lose cup and speed far too quick for my taste. We run some dirty water up here, and I can get 2 full years of excellent prop running on a tempest...those Furys lose in a few months.

Im assuming you dont need bow lift or load carrying ability on that boat, otherwise I would suggest a Brovo XS.

Ive ran my fastest speeds at less Rs compared to other props. I know many guys that try to hit a certain R, and they end up not reaching full top end on their setups because of this. It takes time, and too many props to find the right one though.

The Bravo XS gave me the best all around performance out of the box of all 12 props Ive played with. Great lift, handling and was best low to mid punch out of them all. Topped at 72 at 6k, mine tops at 6300. I would like to drop a pitch to see if I can push and more mph because I have Rs left, but that typically isnt the case from what I have found. That prop ran my highest Rs with speed. It was 4-5mph faster than others at same Rs.

Mike Cork · December 14, 2015, 08:24:17 PM

I've tried several props and should add all that here but will have to dig out my notes. The legend runs a lot flatter than most boats and lift has never been an issue. I've run a couple of worked brovo's and the both were dogs on my rig. They came off an older 211 and were awesome performers on it. Again I'll have to get the numbers on them and how they were worked.

I played with a 26 tempest and the hole shot was miserable, top end was her loose and then I couldn't load the boat on the trailer. Prop seemed fine, but it's torque was very weak for me. Can't remember the vent situation on that prop. Think back now it sounds like it need more?

As you said, it takes many props to find a good one. I've played with several, even the anchors made here, power tech...

The boat feels right as far as running and the pad it's on, just wonder if I got to 6k if I could break 70 with full load on the way to weigh in. My previous legends all performed best at 5750-5800 so I might be Max'd without major mods.

Mike Bush · December 14, 2015, 08:32:11 PM

It could be Cork. You are at the point where you are trying to find 1-2mph...and thats all you can get with a load.

Sometimes the even numbered Tempest are crappy if not really worked. Just a weird thing with those for some reason. Ive taken a 27 to a 26 and it blew away a stock 26.

You adjust all those plugs for hole shot and loading? Mainly hole shot...loading should be there if you can get out of the hole.

HOLESHOTPROPELLER · December 15, 2015, 12:02:27 PM

If you are looking for 200 more rpm's but are as high as you can go on the plate you would probably need a 24 fury BUT it might not gain more speed the only way to find out would be to try it...and of course how much weight you carry and where is a big factor...as Mike said fury's lose cup the fastest being a thinner casting I work on a lot of them and on a tempest you typically need at least one large pvs plug in it or it will blow out....on furys i sometimes drill an extra hole behind the pvs hole to help it spin up more..

Mike Cork · December 15, 2015, 12:12:01 PM

Thanks guys. I got to get through the holiday gift giving season and I'll be back to playing. Water and air temps will be great for test rides

HOLESHOTPROPELLER · December 15, 2015, 12:23:40 PM

Yes when it cools down here in La you might get close to those extra 200 rpm's you are looking for Mike and I'm sure a little more speed...how much tackle do you carry ? you have basspro shops in the front compartments ?

Mike Cork · December 15, 2015, 02:27:45 PM

used too LOL but have learned to scale back a bit when I need the extra speed for a long run. Most of my running at WOT won't last 4 or 5 minutes most tournaments. Our lakes just aren't that big. When I got to Toledo and plan on a 20 mile run they extra speed might make a cast or two difference.

Mike Bush · December 15, 2015, 04:46:25 PM

I wish a long run was 20...LOL.

Mike Cork · December 17, 2015, 12:00:28 PM

I only have two places locally that I can run more than 10 miles LOL

But on that note we still have 150 tournaments. Want to talk about fishing crowded water

Mike Bush · December 17, 2015, 03:53:07 PM

Yeah...I know you guys get packed with boats. Come up this way to ones that are under a 100 boats and you get to run 30-50 miles each way and possible not be within miles of another bass boat. Of course..making it back through the locks and running nasty water can be an issue getting to weigh in

HOLESHOTPROPELLER · December 17, 2015, 10:25:51 PM

Come fish further south to bayou black sometime Mike you can run until the gas tanks go dry

Mike Cork · December 18, 2015, 08:22:33 AM

Quote from: HOLESHOTPROPELLER on December 17, 2015, 10:25:51 PM
Come fish further south to bayou black sometime Mike you can run until the gas tanks go dry

You talking about Campti? I fish there a couple times of year. That place scares me

I can run in some of the craziest stuff but north of the bridge on Campti

I ran it this past November all the way to the peter tree and survived.

Now if you're talking the one even further south, is it part of the basin?

HOLESHOTPROPELLER · December 18, 2015, 09:54:53 AM

Bayou black/intercostal waterway down here in Houma and yes it coonects to the basin also by Morgan city

Mike Cork · December 18, 2015, 10:44:49 AM

Yep I can see how you can get away from the pack down there. I'm hoping to get down there this year.

merc1997 · December 18, 2015, 01:18:10 PM

the best running prop that i have ran on my basscat is a yamaha. one of the blades cracked all over and it is toast now. i am currently running a 25 tempest, but it is lacking in every area from the yamaha. i may just need to do some tweaking on it, and it would improve some. the yamaha ran faster gps speed at any rpm range. that translates into better fuel economy. i think the fury may be mercury's attempt to have a prop close the the yamaha.

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