Prop for Evinrude 225 ETEC HO?

[ARSKL COUGAR]

I have a regular Cougar 2003 model with a 2003 225HO Ficht with hydraulic plate. Proping this beast has been a real challenge. I dont have a perfect one but the 28″ Trophy is my favorite so far for all around perf. Both of my props are a bit scuffed up and have slowed down a bit. Here is a summary (all speeds GPS):28″ Raker Evinrude 3 blade- quick hole shot but some blow out if engine and jack are not just right (I dont like the blow out) / slight slip at low speed cruise (a bit annoying) / incredible bow lift / easily hit the rev limiter (6200)!, when new hit 78.1 with full tanks and 2 guys, so if it can be modified to 6000rpm I would expect more speed / can loose entire grip when slowing way down to go over barge wake. Summary – very fast but hard to live with.28″ Merc Trophy 4 blade – great hole shot! / smooth cruise! / when prop was fresh 80.3 by myself, now just 78 at best, 75-77.5 with 2 folks, 6150-6200 when new, 5950-6050 now / can hold boat on plan at 2750rpm! Summary – great all around prop! I would think that freshening up the prop would add some speed back.29″ Tempest Merc 3 blade – terrible hole shot / had to run too high on jack plate to get to top of RPM range and water pressure was on the edge, so I gave up on it.I have heard that the E-Tec is stronger than the Ficht HO on the low end and has incredible hole shot. It is supposed to be quieter too. I dont yet know about the top-end or the actual horspower vs the Ficht model. I am not sure about the lower unit situation either, i.e. does yours have the same high performance gearcase as mine or just a standard one? I do know that Evinrude has had a challenge over that past couple of years with improving their props to handle these engines. Hopefully this info will help. It is hard to find anyone with an Evinrude on a Cat and I would love to hear from others with the same set up to get some input on mine as well. This rig I have seems to be faster than other 225s unless one of the super light-weight brands is around and the water is smooth for them. Good luck and keep me posted, I may want to try one of those E-Tecs in a year or so.

[ezbassin]

There is a 2004 FTD with a 225 HO in the boat for sale section and it listed using a 27 renegade, a stock 27 trophy and a modified 27 trophy.

[bass7]

Thanks for the info. I cant tell you anything about the motor yet because it wont be here until the end of February. Im told Evinrude had to beef up the lower unit to handle to new motor design. So far Im impressed with what it has to offer.I bought my cougar new in 2000 and was running the 225 FICHT. I propped it with a 26 raker and outran most boats around here. Im really anxious to see what it will do now.So far Ive have been told that a 27 Tempest is going to be my best bet but Ill continue to keep my ear to the grind until the motor gets here.Thanks again,

[bass7]

Thanks,Ill post the results when I have them. Im told I wont have to wait long because there is no break-in required.

[ppfish]

Can you give us an update on the E-tec or are you still waiting for your engine?. Thanks

[ARSKL COUGAR]

There were a couple of E-Tecs at the Invitational. I didnt get to talk to either of the owners but I noticed that one of them had a 27″ Trophy on his.I noted that they sure do idle quietly. Good luck.

[jignpig]

Allan, I saw one of the e-tecs up close while fishing and actually asked him how he liked the engine. He said he had only gotten the engine 5-6 days earlier so he had not had time to get dialed in. Forgot to ask what prop he had on though, nice motor..This from a 97 PII/200EFI. Have considered going to 200 E-TEC if I keep this boat….AlanP.S. Thanks for all the goodies, my 11y/o has pretty much hidden these from me now, something about they are his lures…..96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

[ARSKL COUGAR]

Hey jignig:It is great that your 11y/o is into fishing. That makes for great times for you all to spend together. Enjoy it!!

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