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Correct prop for Checkmate Enforcer / trim info

B

Blwnsln

New member
Hey guys, I just picked up a 1984 Checkmate Enforcer, I did a bunch of maintenance to the engine, new plugs, adjust the carb, exhaust gaskets. Serviced the drive, new impeller, changed the fluid etc.

I took the boat out today, and it ran a best of
47 mph on gps. I feel like it should have more in it.
Im running a 19inch stock prop. I didn't get the rpm's.

Also i like some advice on trimming the boat. It does have trim tabs bit I would like to learn how to trim the motor correctly before playing with them.

Thanks for the advice.
 
What motor? I find triming is a balance of mph and rpms. Trim up or down to find the sweet spot of max mph and least rpms. You'll get to spot where rpms keep going up but mph doesn't. Thats when you want to bring it back down a click or two. Thats for top speed. When cruiseing you'll find trimming up or down will give a better ride, only takes a little to make a change. Its something you need seat time for to learn your boat. I think at the speeds your running your trim tabs are going to be basically levelers. You can adjust them to level the load in your boat so your not leaning. Play with them at lower speeds, they will lean you over in a hurry if your not familiar with them. My.02:)
 
It has a mercruiser 260, it's been updated to the newer style not the mag though. I've been playing with the engine trim at low speeds
And I can get the boat to get up on plain and run well, it's at top speed it hard for me to make adjustments, they don't seam to make a difference
 
You referring to the tabs [they don't seam to make a difference]?

Next time your out, Trim all the way down. Get up on plane then open her up. Tap your trim up till you reach your max rpm. Do you know the max rpms? Thats gonna be all she has like it sits. I can't help you on props without knowing your rpms. You want to run a prop that will let you run wot and put you at the rpm limit for that motor.
 
I haven't played with the trim tabs yet. I was referring to the engine trim.

I think I see what your saying, play with the trim button on the throttle by pushing it up in small increments?
 
Welcome !! Your at the right place to get all the info you need from a great group of guys with alot of knowledge !! We would all like to see some pics of your mate !!! Not sure if this will help but i have an 87 enforcer with a stock big block and i run a 21 mirage (not the plus) mid 60's @ 5100 rpm !! I first tried a 4 blade 23 pitch and wow did the boat jump out of the water but would only turn 4100 rpms !! As for the trim tabs i use mine to get on plane with a full load and then adjust as i go. When it"s choppy i set them down a bit and it stabilizes the boat. If you have never used them before they do take a little seat time to get used to them but once you do you will love them !! Hope this helps and good luck !! Dont forget to post a picture ! Here's mine
mail
 
I also have an 83 enforcer ob with a 225 mariner and I am starting to experiment with different props. I am going to try a 21p laser this weekend see how that goes, I tried a 24p 4 blade and only got to 4400 rpm.
 
keith4216 said:
You referring to the tabs [they don't seam to make a difference]?

Next time your out, Trim all the way down. Get up on plane then open her up. Tap your trim up till you reach your max rpm. Do you know the max rpms? Thats gonna be all she has like it sits. I can't help you on props without knowing your rpms. You want to run a prop that will let you run wot and put you at the rpm limit for that motor.
Click to expand...

Hey Keith, it seams to be turning around 4500 rpms
 
If its a 350 260hp motor. 4500- 5000 is the max. If your turning 4500 wot then you may be maxed out. If you can try 20 -21 to bring down rpms and see if you can get a mph or two more. I'm thinking you might just have a small block boat and wishing for big block speed.
 
Hey Keith, I might try and just switch the prop to a stainless version of what I have, the prop on the boat is pretty beat up, I'll yet and post a picture.
When you say max rpm's is 5000 couldn't I drop to a 17 pitch to make the motor rev higher or would I lose top end speed?
 
NO When I say your max is 5000. I mean thats your red line if it was a car, you don't want to go past that. You want to stay with in that rpm and not go over. A pitch or two more in prop will lower your rpms and possibly give you a few mph. I'm not there with you to see exacatly what you have going on but I feel you might just need some seat time to get use to everything and then think about making changes. It takes knowing your boat to make it run its best.
 
Hey Keith i think I'm going to try the same prop I have in stainless

Here's: a pic of my prop: it looks pretty beat!
It says 14.5 x 19 Mi wheel b

8e97ce3b.jpg
 
That prop has seen better days. If you can, its always good to try different props before you invest in buying one.
 
keith4216 said:
That prop has seen better days. If you can, its always good to try different props before you invest in buying one.
Click to expand...


Ya it's pretty bent up, do you think that affects performance much?

Also I've found a few props to try, but I'm not sues if there the correct hub
Could I use a 14x19 or does it have to be 14.5x19?
 
I stole this from another site. It might help you understand a little more.
If your going SS just worry about the pitch, that 14,14.5 stuff is explained below and won't matter.
Hope this helps you.:cheers:


There are always two size numbers for any boat propeller.
The first number is the diameter (measured from the prop shaft hole out to one blade tip times two). This is your 14 or 14.5.
The second number is the pitch (how far a propeller should travel forward through a solid one revolution in terms of inches). This is your 19.
The pitch is the most important number because different pitches will make the engine R.P.M.'s change at full speed.

The theory is for every one inch in pitch the RPM's will change 150 to 200. The higher the number pitch means lower R.P.M.'s, and the lower the number pitch means higher RPM's.
So the quest is to get the right pitched prop that will get you in your recommended W.O.T. R.P.M. operating range.
Aluminum propellers and Stainless Steel Propellers

Aluminum propellers are usually the standard prop that comes with the boat when it is new. They perform well enough for most people and are cheaper than stainless steel props.​


Stainless steel propellers
offer better performance (quicker time to plane off and faster top end speed) than the aluminums in most cases, especially for faster boats.
You have to be more careful though, since they don’t bend or break nearly as easily as an aluminum prop does, but for performance you can't beat them.​
 
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