What prop for mercury black max xr2 150 hp on checkmate ?

[intheriver]

Hello,
It's an old boat so I thought someone could give me some imput on a prop.
I bought a project 1987 Checkmate Eluder with a 1987 black max xr2 150.
It came without a prop. I don't want to guess and spend a lot trying to get one right.
Engine is stock except Boyesen reeds and a 8 inch jackplate. Not going to pull anything, looking for top end speed prop for this set up. Thanks for any suggestions.

[OnPad]

Kinda depends on engine height but here's a few.
21-23p tempest (high on plate)
23-25p laser (med)
24-26p chopper (high)
21p mirage (med)
21-25p ballistic (med)
Those suggestions might be a bit optimistic on pitch.
A freind has a similar boat (no plate) he runs a 13 1/2× 21 round ear quicksilver that he likes. I loaned him a 25p laser and he gained a little up top but was down on rpm and hole shot. Borrow and try as many as you can.

[rgsauger]

The above information is 100% right on. Personally, I think that a mercury laser two prop sucks and I’ve never had good results from them. It just never worked for me on any of my boats. I picked up 7 mph just playing with props and no other change when I got rid of a laser II.

Anything in a 23 pitch or so stainless steel prop that has some good rake to it will get you in the right ballpark. If your RPMs are too high, then you need to go up to a 25. If they are too low, then you gotta drop down to a 21. A bunch of the used prop shops or prop repair shops will let you try them.

[OnPad]

If ya had a lwp, you could run a over the hub prop in the 26 to 28 pitch range. That would give you the best top end numbers. But they don't like packing around alot of weight. Where in Montana are you?

[intheriver]

Thanks for all the information.
What diameter 14 1/4 ?

[OnPad]

13 1/2 to 14 5/8 on those I suggested. Larger diameter the higher you mount engine.
Measure diameter of your gearcase, all I suggested are for 4 3/4 case, they make a 4 1/4 case that is used on the xr series. If it's 4 1/4 you have to use a trophy prop or a o.t.h. prop.
I'm in sandpoint and got a couple of the props listed if your ever in the area.

[intheriver]

How do you measure the gearcase? It is a hydraulic 8 inch setback jack plate. How long have you been in sandpoint?

[OnPad]

Measure the outside diameter behind the prop. Its 4 3/4" or 4 1/4"
If it's 4 1/4" disregard my first post.
I've been in Sandpoint for 46 years.

[David]

XR2 would have been born with a 2:1 ratio 4 3/4 gearcase.

[intheriver]

I did pick up a 24p chopper to start off with. I spoke with onpad and we are not far from each other to try other props.
Thanks for the help.