Which High 5 on a 200 Sport?

K

Kermit

New Member
Jun 10, 2011
72
Raleigh, NC
Boat Info
2005 200 Sport
Engines
4.3L MPI, 1.62 Alpha 1, 19P High Five
Hello,

New to me 2005 200 Sport owner here. Mine has the 220HP 4.3MPI and Alpha 1 with 1.62 gearing. The boat came with a 21P High 5 from the PO. Apparently, the stock prop was stolen and this was available.

Anyway, with two of us in the boat and 1/4 tank of fuel, we can easily run at 48MPH @ 4800 WOT. However, with 6-7 the WOT is limited to 4K and it takes a bit to get on plane. While we won't always be this heavy, I think I need a prop more suited for the weight. The local dealer suggested sticking with the H5 but dropping to a 19P.

What do you guys think? Any experience with a similar setup?

Thanks. Scott
 
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If it was me, I'd just slap a set of Smart Tabs on there and be done with it.
 
The High 5 prop has a "power venting system?" that allows you to vent the prop by installing different sized holes in the prop. The holes allow exhaust gasses to intermingle with the blades until you up to speed. This causes more prop slip and allows you engine to rev faster thus providing better holeshot (in theory). I would try this first since it is basically free. Start by just removing the black plugs on the body of the prop, which would provide maximum venting, and see if it helps. You can also buy different sized inserts to "tune" the slip during the holeshot. Once you are at speed the exhaust exits the center of the prop as it normally would. I'd try that first before spending $500 on another prop.
 
Where can you get tabs for under $200? I have looked and cant find any for under $385.00.
 
thanks.

Have you used these? Did you install them yourself? I am handy, but new to boat ownership.

The website states up to 225hp. I have a 5.0 mpi with 260hp, does that mean these will not work with my boat?
 
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Easy Peasy to install. Less than an hour. Take a look at their website and you'll better understand what we're talking about.
 
Lightguyjeff said:
thanks.

Have you used these? Did you install them yourself? I am handy, but new to boat ownership.
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I don't have them...yet. Just got my boat in February. I have done lots and lots of research and have only heard great reviews as far as hole shot and lower planing speeds. The only bad thing I have ever heard is they have a negative effect on wake size. I believe if you buy the "Pro-troller" option and mount the upper lever upside down, you can lift the tabs out of the water so they are not used. Intallation is detailed on their website and looks really easy. Lots of people on this site swear by them.
 
I'm a huge High Five fan for that sized boat. The 19" pitch is a good choice. You will get the performance you're looking for. Although Smart Tabs may work to get on plane, I would rather have the throttle up capability the additional acceleration the 19P High Five will give you in case you get in crappy chop and want to keep the bow out of it....especially on a bow rider.
 
I agree with the advice on fooling with the venting system first. Smart Tabs will definately improve your low end performance more than a new prop. How much do you want out of the boat with a full load? Maybe just get a cheap aluminum 3 blade for the times you are super loaded. I went thru all sorts of different props to find the best ones for my boat which is almost identical to yours. I have a stock 19 pitch 3 blade stainless and a 17 pitch 4 blade with lots of cup. If you go with the 19" high five check if it has the vent holes. I think I read somewhere only the 21 high five has them. If that's the case it may not offer the hole shot your looking for.
 
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Wow. Thanks for all the input. I have only had the boat for a week (out twice) and so maybe I'm a little overzealous about mods. We were out tonight with 5+1(6yo) on board and while it seems a bit sluggish it planes well. I'm somewhat concerned about the low max RPM (4000) that is achieveable with the 21. I'll mess around with removing the plugs and there are five of them. However, that will not do anything for the top end from what I understand.

What are the dangers or limitations by not being able run at the recommended WOT RPM? The current setup is certainly liveable until I can find another prop if I decide to go that route. It is one sweet ride IMHO.

As far as the smart tabs go, I am definitely considering them and have read the extensive threads on them. I'm somewhat nervous about drilling into a nice gelcoat finish though.
 
I would not make 4000 rpm a regular thing. Lugging the motor like that is really stressful if you do it all the time. If you go out heavy a lot I would go down in pitch. You will see your best performance with a prop which will run at about 4800 rpm
 
blaster said:
................Smart Tabs will definately improve your low end performance more than a new prop. ...........
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Wanna bet? This logic is flawed. With the High Five, as I mentioned before, it gives the skipper control to use his trim and power to place the bow where he/she needs in rougher water. Smart tabs will only tip the nose down during startup. I tested props for Merc/Quicksilver in my 180BR back in the early '90s and I'll tell you the prop I tested yielded what became the High Five. Venting won't matter either on this boat enough to make too much of a difference. With a 19" High Five you will lose some top speed(not too much), but gain a ton in the bottom end.
 
Questioning my logic regarding smart tabs won't solve this guys issue. High five propellers are very expensive and my statement reflected a way to improve time to plane for a reasonable cost. If. He buys a high five for $575 and his rpms are still too low for his application what then?
Nehalennia said:
Wanna bet? This logic is flawed. With the High Five, as I mentioned before, it gives the skipper control to use his trim and power to place the bow where he/she needs in rougher water. Smart tabs will only tip the nose down during startup. I tested props for Merc/Quicksilver in my 180BR back in the early '90s and I'll tell you the prop I tested yielded what became the High Five. Venting won't matter either on this boat enough to make too much of a difference. With a 19" High Five you will lose some top speed(not too much), but gain a ton in the bottom end.
Click to expand...
 
For what it's worth, I was making the same decision a while back and after measuring the pros and cons of each, I went with the high five 19p. I love what the prop has done to the planing speed and the ability to hold that low planing speed for water sports. I am still able to get almost 44-48 mph at 4800 (depending on load), but who runs wide open anyway? Play with the trim a bit with whatever you choose to get your rpms and top end up a little bit. 4000 seems really low, even with a full boat. Good Luck -- JL
 
blaster said:
Questioning my logic regarding smart tabs won't solve this guys issue. High five propellers are very expensive and my statement reflected a way to improve time to plane for a reasonable cost. If. He buys a high five for $575 and his rpms are still too low for his application what then?
Click to expand...

His RPMs are ideal right now under a normal load. He said that when he's loaded he's having an issue. The reason he can't get to the power band is because his ass is digging in with his hole shot. If he goes with the 19" it will be like he has a lower gear. So, your "smart tabs" suggestion may lift the back end slightly, but not enough to be a reasonable solution under a heavier load. The only solution for that is HP or gearing. Regardless of cost, his question originally was "what do you guys think" (about the 19" pitch dropping from 21"). The first two out of three replies were "Stick a set of Smart tabs on and forget about it".
The 19" pitch (like a lower gear) will allow his RPMs increase and get him back in the power band quicker. And yes, questioning the incorrect advice will correct this guys issue. He won't spend $200-400 on Smart tabs, have them not work and then need to spend the $$$$ on a new prop.
 
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