I am the new owner of a 1988 Diplomatwith a 1988 Mariner 135 mounted on the back. This is my winter restoration project. I haven't had it on the water so I can't give any RPM or speed numbers but I will give as much info as I can and hopefully you can answer all my questions. The hull is solid. The motor is currently mounted with the propshaft centerline 4" below the pad. 19 pitch LaserII prop. I am looking for good holeshot, good planing manners at moderate RPMs for skiing and tubing, and still maintain a decent top end. Any prop recomendations...trophy plus, tempest plus,??? 21 pitch a better choice?? Opinions on the 135 Mariner?? Any nice to knows or need to knows about this boat?? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Mike
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1988 Diplomat questions...
- Thread starter tacky06
- Start date
Mark
Well-known member
It is pretty hard to advise without seeing some numbers. If you can, I would throw it in the water for a late fall run to get a baseline.
I run a 19" Powertech 4 blade on mine. Yours should have more torgue with a V6. My guess is a 21" Trophy would be ideal but like I said you neeed to water test before you start spending money on props that might not work.
I run a 19" Powertech 4 blade on mine. Yours should have more torgue with a V6. My guess is a 21" Trophy would be ideal but like I said you neeed to water test before you start spending money on props that might not work.
It doesnt look like thats gonna happen. I have the boat in pieces and the weather has been really lousy. Like I said, I need another prop anyway for a spare and this will give me till spring to find one. If others have had good success with a certain prop/setup combo please chime in. I'm all ears.
john lamon
Well-known member
I would think that prop you have should work well, maybe a 21 if you wan't to squeeze a little more top end out of it, a 21 hi-five should work good if you do lots of watersports...
That 135 is a great engine, my buddies dad bought a new Sea Ray in 89' with the 135 Mariner... they still have it and the only problem they had with it was when we hit a rock and tore the leg off it when we were kids, obviosly not the motors fault... we punished that thing and it just kept on going... you should be happy with it , lot's of low end torque for a 135 too
My combination is very similar to yours. I'd keep it just as it is until you get it in the water next spring.
For comparison:
With a 21" High-5 prop, the hole-shot is tremendous. Have to keep your eye on the tach though, these 2.0 135's are factory rated at 135 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpms. IF you have the 2.0:1 lower unit like I do, the 21" High 5 will spin to 6100 rpms if you're by yourself and running top speed with trim. I think the 2.0 135 really puts out more than 135 horse.............
I also have a 23" Laser II. It's not as good for pulling a pair of tubers out of the hole while the boat is loaded with people, but I've had 58 mph GPS with this prop running by myself, and my rpms are at 5500. I think a good 25" Laser II, light on gas, light chop and I'd see over 60 on GPS and still be within the rpm range.
My motor is currently mounted all the way down on the transom.
For comparison:
With a 21" High-5 prop, the hole-shot is tremendous. Have to keep your eye on the tach though, these 2.0 135's are factory rated at 135 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpms. IF you have the 2.0:1 lower unit like I do, the 21" High 5 will spin to 6100 rpms if you're by yourself and running top speed with trim. I think the 2.0 135 really puts out more than 135 horse.............
I also have a 23" Laser II. It's not as good for pulling a pair of tubers out of the hole while the boat is loaded with people, but I've had 58 mph GPS with this prop running by myself, and my rpms are at 5500. I think a good 25" Laser II, light on gas, light chop and I'd see over 60 on GPS and still be within the rpm range.
My motor is currently mounted all the way down on the transom.
Thanks for all the info. I plan on keeping the setup as is till I can get it in the water in the spring. Then I can get a baseline and go from there. Seeing as how I will have all winter to collect parts I guess I am looking for an excuse to shop online for "deals" on proven props etc. for the boat.