MERC 14x11x3 prop report

shehzad · Post by **shehzad** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 10:52 pm

Robert,

I think that I have got an explanation with your post.
My maximum speed of 15 mph was in a wind of 8 to 9 knots. Sea was rough with high waves.
Now sea has calm down and on some days, it would be like glass, so I would check again.

One thing I have learned is that 14x11x3 is a very appropriate propelar for my Yamaha 50T.

James V · Post by **James V** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:06 am

With my Mer 50 bf I maintained 17.5 mph with no ballest, lightly loaded on a 90 mile run from Marathon to Everglads City in Florida. No wind and near glass conditions. When the wind picked up on the stern I went up to 18.5 for a little while and I did it in 6 hours with less that 24 gallons of gas.

I have the 14 x 10 prop. My dealier told me if I took off the mast and had very little inside and I lost 150 pounds I could get it up to 22 mph.

shehzad · Post by **shehzad** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:08 am

James V,
It is to my great satisfaction to read your comments about the speed you are getting, as I am sure that I could match this.

What are the maximum RPM you are getting with 14x10x3 ?

Are you not worried, when other mac owners in the forum say that they acheive easily 22 mph with a 50 hp ?

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:50 am

Shezad - I saw 22 mph with my 2002 X and 50 HP Merc BF EFI when she was new, but I am sure I have lowered the speed by adding accessories and usually crew. I have run both the 14x3x11 and 14x3x10 props on the boat and believe the 10 pitch gives higher top speed, but the 11 gives a more comfortable cruising rpm range.

There are enough variables in wind and waves and loading that your reported results would not worry me in the least, I would not look for engine, prop, or mounting problems without weighing your boat to get an accurate idea of load, and also running a test on smooth water. It is well within the realm of reported results here, I think.

James V · Post by **James V** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 5:37 am

shehzad - My top rpm has been 5150. I talked to the dealier and he was not worried. I had the yearly maintance done. I hope that it helps. I will let you know after my next cruise in Dec. Florida is good that time of year.

Are you not worried, when other mac owners in the forum say that they acheive easily 22 mph with a 50 hp ?

Not really, On my trips, all over 800 miles, I can only go over 8 mph about 1/3rd of the time. I get less than 4 miles per gallon at 15+ mph. When I go full time cruising I will not really care about the time and motor between 5 mph (12 to 14 mpg) and 8 mph (8 mpg) to save on fuel cost. I also get very wet above 8 mph and my eyes get very wind blown and hurt.

The extra 4 mph going 90 miles would only get me there about 1 1/2 hr sooner. Not really a big deal for me. Less wear and tear on the boat and me as well at the slower speed.

shehzad · Post by **shehzad** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:38 am

Catigale,
At least you have tasted the enjoyment of 22 mphs, when your boat was new but I have never come near to this speed, where as my boat is new at present.
With 14x10 propellar, what is your maximum speed now ?

shehzad · Post by **shehzad** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:54 am

James V,
You are very right that it gets water spray in the cockpit on cruising high speed, more than 8-9 miles per hour and also fuel consumption goes higher but some times inspite of all these facts, one requires to go maximum speed. For example, I had to pull inflatable toys with my kids.

My house is only 4 km from marina club. where I keep my boat.
Some times, with family commitments, I have only two/three hours for my sailing. So I sail and sail and on way back, fold sail and rush back to marina.
If there would not have been a boat like Macgregor, I would have never come into this sports. Unfortunately, I only came to know about this forum, after I bought mybrand new blue hull boat from Macgregor and had my 50 hp engine. Otherwise, I would have definately gone for 90 hp, as many from this forum are using it and are also very much satisfied.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:42 am

Catigale,
At least you have tasted the enjoyment of 22 mphs, when your boat was new but I have never come near to this speed, where as my boat is new at present.
With 14x10 propellar, what is your maximum speed now ?

I never got any enjpyment out of 22 mph, Shezad - it was too loud, too stressful, everyone had to stay in place for fear of falling off, I worried about hitting tree trunks on the river etc..

If I am by myself, with the 14x10 prop, I get about 18 mph..the 'loss' of 4 mph is attributable to all the stuff I have loaded on board to cruise - two anchors, dinghy, extra battery, galley, its just adds up.

For me, about 10 mph is the limit for what I enjoy...that still makes the Mac and ideal boat for my inland day river sailing - I can sail for 4 hours on tide, then turn around and be home in 2.

It does sound like a 75 or 90 would be nice for towing the kids...but Im happy with my 50 and wouldnt trade up at this point. Im really tickled about the 2000 rpm performance with the 14x11x3.,..I get the nice cruising speed, full charge on the alternator, great mileage, and low noise...A 70 or 75 with the 14x3x11 would probably be the best combo if the torque curve stays the same.

James V · Post by **James V** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:07 pm

shehzad - I am working on ways to keep the spary out of the cockpit. Weather cloths is in the future. This should help. I do not know about being able to see well enough.

The wind and water in the eyes is something else. I am going to try the PWC glasses and see if that helps. However, I will still need a spary bottle to wash the spray off the glasses. I have tried the swiming goggles and cut a 1/8 inch (.5 cm??) wide slit in the bottom and that worked well.

Post by **kmclemore** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:21 am

James V wrote:shehzad - I am working on ways to keep the spary out of the cockpit. ....

James, why not consider Tony Houk's suggestion here, with a follow-up discussion posted here. Seems it did the job for him in terms of reducing spray. (Mod description and pics are here)

I seem to recall Tony posted a movie, too, but I can't seem to find that link.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:31 am

When the wind is blowing 12+ you'll be in some chop. And, when you're headed upwind, or reaching, in chop (wind waves) you're gonna get wet, whether motoring or sailing. I think the only solution would be a wide dodger.

James V · Post by **James V** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:25 pm

Thanks Frannk C - I was going to get the Weather Cloths anyway for privacy and wind protection when sitting in the cockpit at anchor. They are a traditional way to keep out the spray while under way.

I don't know if anybody has put the smart rails on an M.

Divecoz · Post by **Divecoz** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:41 pm

Brand New bare bones boat . . . .Polished to a mirror finish by a pro. Coupled with the perfect sea conditions using a motor tuned by a Gran Prix Hydro plane Mechanic who specializes in HP what ever the Make Rogers using for the very best results. All this after having spent days on the water on another boat looking for the very best custom built hand made prop. Then Ya sit back have a cigar a bandy and say . . . .yep this baby did 24 mph right off the trailer . . . and it did

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MERC 14x11x3 prop report

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