castafly Posted July 13, 2019 Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 Thought I’d share with you my 2001 MA21. I’ve had the boat for 9yrs now. Bought it from a friend (original owner) with 80hrs on it!! Original motor was a Yamaha Vmax HPDI 175. New motor is a 2018 SHO 225. The torque on this engine is incredible!! Had the transom completely rebuilt and beefed up by Mike Parkington who is the best glass guy in New England!! Tested 8 props and ended going with a Mercury Bravo I - XS 24”. Haven’t done any light load speed runs with it yet, but with the Bravo I - XS 23”, we saw 64mph and hit the rev limiter (fairly light load - 15gal fuel, 1 battery). So, decided to go with the 24” Bravo. Current stats - with 3/4 tank of gas, trolling motor, 4 heavy duty blue tops, tons of tackle and 2 adults - hit 62 with the 24”. That’s a ton of weight and never checked the rpms as this was not a planned run!! Haha!! I also run a Merc Rev4 - 21”. Even though our top end was 62mph at 5900rpm (light load) the mid range has exceptional punch!! Hole shot is amazing. Gotta tell ya. The Merc 4blades (Rev4 / Bravo) were the only props that gave us good bow lift. All 3 blade props except for the Merc Mirage 15” diameter - 21p was the only 3 blade that was impressive, but still only gave us 62mph at 6000rpm (not enough lift). Bottom line, Bravo I - 24” is the best overall performer I tested. I am very happy with this prop and if the numbers are good, may even go with a 25”. I will post them after we get through this humidity (sept/October). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Posted July 13, 2019 Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 That is a sweet skiff !! Do you prefer the removable trolling motor ? It sure makes the hull look cleaner. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted July 13, 2019 Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 Nice rig, question, why opt for transom mount TM. Does not appear to have a bow mount for the TM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
castafly Posted July 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 Thanks!! I went with a transom mount for a couple of reasons. I do a lot of sight fishing in shallow water. If I’m not poling, I’m using the motor with a long swiveled tiller handle that allows me to stand on the platform, positioning the boat at all times. Works very well and if cautious, does not spook fish!! I would love to have a motor on the bow, but too much of an obstruction with fly line. If I spin fished only, I would have one for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted July 13, 2019 Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 Nice rig! Get to them stripper's fast do ya? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT Quinta Posted July 19, 2019 Report Share Posted July 19, 2019 Good info on props. There are so many variables as to why a certain props work on any given boat / motor setup. You need to test a bunch of different blades. That engine sure looks pretty on that boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polliwog Posted September 7, 2019 Report Share Posted September 7, 2019 I need to find a new prop for my 20ft LT bow lift stinks on the current prop. I will look at your Merc Bravo as an option. My boat was bgt in Chatham from owner of "Fishing the Cape" Bob Benson back in the day 1999. lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane Posted September 9, 2019 Report Share Posted September 9, 2019 Great looking boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekS MA18.5 Posted December 7, 2019 Report Share Posted December 7, 2019 Beautiful RIg! Derek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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