Pat, just so I'm clear on what you're saying, do you mean that 4mph over the
factory spec of 63-64 is possible?

I really appreciate your sharing your experience in this.

Right now, if I trim my current configuration for optimum speed, there's
significant torque on the steering wheel to the left, and the tach reads
4900-4950 (standard tach that came with the boat); and if I trim to
'steering neutral', the RPM's are at about 4800 and speed is at about 55.
This is with a tournament load, say 150-200 lbs gear and two anglers, in
typical lake conditions, not glass smooth at 64 degrees and whatnot that the
factory figures in their calcs.

Was checking my manual today, and Merc recommends a full throttle RPM range
of 5250 - 5750, with optimum being in the 'upper half' of that range. I'm
not getting anything like that at full throttle, which could be two things
(as I understand it): either an imperfect balance of load, trim and prop, or
perhaps the tach is not reading correctly.

From what I currently know (which admittedly isn't much) I would guess a
different prop pitch would help with boosting the full throttle RPM's into
the correct range as recommended by Merc. IIRC, my prop is the 23 tempest
you mentioned in a previous post.

Another question: the original dealer told me there was something that
could be adjusted on the prop itself, having to do with the exhaust holes
which could change the amount of slip in a holeshot, and was a way of
tweeking the prop. Does that sound like BS or is it true?

Thanks,

Jim
"Pat Goff @yahoo.com" pmgoffjrbot wrote in message
...
Four over "factory" specs is reasonable, eight is not possible with a
stock
powerhead.

I've setup and rigged about 30 or so 882's over the past two years, and
some
guys liked the factory setup just fine, some didn't. The ones who didn't
we
went to work on to find the optimum prop/motor height/accessory combo
which
produced the best results.

I'm by no means saying this is the best possible, because someone might
come
up with something even better, it's just my own experience with that
particular boat/motor combo.

I can also tell you what didn't work either, which can save some poor soul
a
lot of time and money chasing down that elusive last mph.


"James Hancock" wrote in message
...
Well, in fact no, I don't want to spend several hundred for an extra 4
MPH.
However, I think the ideal conditions mentioned are with their stock
configuration; perhaps there's another config that will exceed that
figure.
Maybe it's 8 mph. Myself, I don't know, and that's why I'm asking, to
see
what's possible, and then I can make an informed choice.

Thanks,

Jim

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
"James Hancock" wrote in message
. ..
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to
wonder
if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.

Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but
Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.

Ya'll know where to start looking for information regarding propping
out
a
boat properly?

Do you really want to spend several hundred dollars for an extra 4mph?
As
Bob mentioned, I'm betting 64mph is under _ideal_ conditions.