There is no question that the 225Optimax is strong--the Optimax series fro Mercury is probably one of the best they have ever built and strong---What is was after was 218 vs 225hp is not enough to make that speed difference.

Maybe it is just the way my V-20 is set up and the water is was on---It was a bit on the rough side--2 to 3 foot boat chop. I have had here opened up at just over 53mph on GPS on smooth water and no stability issue's but I my self would not run here around all the time at that speed. BRP is pretty good on the making sure they do not blow up--but--I ride their Snowmobiles as well and have watched them use the consumer for their testing center--I can say that my motor has been great other than the injector issue's--apparently BRP had issues with soldering joints inside the injectors in the 07 models---but am very happy with their(BRP) resilute way of handleing the issue---they have replaced all of my injectors at NO cost!!! That is coverage that makes you feel good for sure.

And yes--I have alot on my boat---Downrigger weights (60lbs+) fishing gear, emergency equipment, rigging, multiple anchors, Head, etc.

:head:

your prop info makes no since, it's totally backwards, a higher pitch prop adds speed and hurts bottom end take off so your 23 pitch should go faster than your 21.

I have made some errors. I read what I wrote
 

Not this time. Re-read. These are my observations.
You assumed mid 50's was the top-end with the larger pitch prop.

Speed prop 23P Tempest Plus does go faster, best I have seen is 63 MPH last February on the Suwannee. The best speed was obtained Boat Light, trimmed to the moon and some trim tab, motor turning 5800 on the limiter, down stream, 78 degrees, humidity 75%. Tons of propslip but it gets the bow way up. Same prop with 4 or five people in 90 degree weather and 95% humidity will only run 54 mph and the motor will only turn approx 5500 RPM trimmed to the max. Slightly too much prop for fishing load or skiing.

The 21 Lightning (Mirage copy) has huge round ears with lots of bite, and is slower on the top end I think it was 58mph (light load, trimmed proper and on the limiter). Summer prop because the 95 plus degree days hurts the performance on this EFI 250 compared to the cool winter months when it runs best. The smaller pitch prop carries the load of four or five people with less strain while allowing the motor to turn more RPM at WOT . Economy is better because the motor isn't being lugged around at every RPM range.

In theory you are right that higher pitch props add speed but only if you powerplant has the balls to turn the prop. The 25P Tempest on my shelf was no faster that the 23P because the motor could not achieve the necessary rpm to make that a reality. Fuel economy sucked worse than normal but it would cruise 40 at 4000 rpm and 50 at 5000 rpm

Genie Aye, is the Optimax 225hp dead on at the prop or does the 10% rule apply?

Ok, now I'm upping the ante....... the new Yami " lightweight " 300hp 4 stroke.

And if someone has a problem with that......lets put that new 556 hp outboard on a nice V21. You know - this new 1,000lb motor. First V21 ever to run .....70 +

Hey Bgreen, you buy that Caddy for me and I'll bolt 'er on and try her!

I just re read this post - interesting info about performance and prop's.....

Why is 200 hp a bit much for Vs ?
 

I think 200hp is a really good match for the V20 hull. My 1975 hull is rated for 230hp (twin 115s in the day), and I find that 200 gives it ample power under any circumstances. It planes effortlessly and economically at 3,200 rpms, even with a good load. Unless the engine you're considering is very heavy, I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 200.

I have a 1989 Evinrude 200XP that weighs 450lbs. I run a 14.5 x 18 stainless prop. When I first bought the boat I experimented with some other props, but I settled on this one and have never run anything else. I use the boat for a wide range of activities – cruising, skiing, tubing, and inshore and offshore fishing, and I regularly carry several people and a lot of gear. The 14.5 x 18 prop doesn't give me the fastest speed or best mileage, but I'm more interested in all-around performance. I can always run at least 47mph even with a full load, and I can always run in the specified 5,000 - 6,000 max rpm range for my engine. That combination also provides immediate response and superb torque whenever I have to hammer it to get through a nasty inlet.

If my engine ever dies I'm going to repower with a 200 small block Etec. It has a little less displacement, but it's very close in weight to what I'm currently running and from everything I've read the difference will be negligible. That said, I do hope I get many more years out of my sometimes thirsty but otherwise very reliable and powerful engine.

To answer your two other questions - I've never experienced any porpoising or stern dig at all. My engine has a foil that was installed by the previous owner, so that may have something to do with modulating my boat's planing pattern, but I can't say for sure because I've never run without it.

I beleive that is at the prop.