How to get most speed out of my 60hp Merc on tracker 175tx

[Primey]

I usually get 33/34 mph out of my 60 with spitfire prop (4 blade ) 2 people with a half tank of gas. I usally run 29/30 mph just to be safe, but they are good boats just to fish out of.  I had a fiberglass boat before and it was more stable, but like the fuel economy with the 2017 60 HP Merc motor txw 175 boat . 
 

[Way2slow]

Being a cheapo usually bites you in the long run.  A lot of time, going the cheap way is the most expensive way you can go.  

Just like going with a smaller motor because it saves $1,500.  After the new wears off and you start getting more and more dissatisfied.  Now it's more of a displeasure to use and as you start trying stuff to improve it, it gets expensive, and I am serious about the statement you can spend several hundred dollars per miles per hour and still not be really satisfied.

I learned a long time ago, spend the money up front to do something right the first time and you are a lot happier and it's cheaper in the long run.  

[E-rude dude]

Speaking from experience. I own an aluminum Triton with a 115 E-rude. You can spend a lot of money on a jack plate install and stainless props to only gain minimal rpms and loose rough water control. Meaning these hulls are made with fishing in mind an not high performance speed. Getting them up high in the water column is expensive and you lose control in rough water very quickly.

[TnRiver46]

On 2/10/2021 at 11:28 AM, Way2slow said:

Being a cheapo usually bites you in the long run.  A lot of time, going the cheap way is the most expensive way you can go.  

Just like going with a smaller motor because it saves $1,500.  After the new wears off and you start getting more and more dissatisfied.  Now it's more of a displeasure to use and as you start trying stuff to improve it, it gets expensive, and I am serious about the statement you can spend several hundred dollars per miles per hour and still not be really satisfied.

I learned a long time ago, spend the money up front to do something right the first time and you are a lot happier and it's cheaper in the long run.  

Or just go slow like me. But your handle on this site clearly indicates that is not an option haha

[Dirtyeggroll]

Best way to get speed on that boat is to put it on the trailer and pull it with the truck.

 

it’s not build for speed. It’s terribly economically inefficient to put money (likely thousands) into to to try to make it go faster when you will at most only gain 3-4 mph.

[gim]

On 2/12/2021 at 5:43 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

it’s not build for speed. It’s terribly economically inefficient to put money (likely thousands) into to to try to make it go faster when you will at most only gain 3-4 mph.

And for the cost of that, you could simply upgrade to the bigger 75 hp outboard on that size boat when initially purchased.

[slonezp]

Put an extra zero on it # @A-Jay

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/engines/outboard/verado/verado-600hp/#overview

[Extremeboating]

Kind of late to the party, but here goes.

 

If you want to make the most of your 60 HP there are three things you can do to it. Maybe five if you're feeling adventurous, but there is some missing info from the TXW's that I can't help you with unless you know how to measure angles properly:

 

- 15 pitch stainless prop (Vengeance) or 14 pitch Trophy Sport

- 6" hydraulic mini jack plate (TH Marine, Bob's Machine, Vance MFG, or SeaStar)

- SE400 Hydrofoil (Trackers usually seem to like them and respond very well to them)

- Transom wedges (to further decrease holeshot time)

- (optional) NGK BKR6EIX-11/ 3764 iridium spark plugs

 

The only caveat to transom wedges are that I do not know the angle of the Transom on the 175 TXW's. If they are similar to the Classic XL's then they have a 15 degree transom and to optimize the most out of the holeshot on these rigs, a 17 degree angle is more ideal meaning you would need 2 degree wedges. 

 

Obviously this will cost you time and money to do, but if you have no intention on repowering then you may as well make the most of what you got, and these mods alone should give you a solid performer out of the 60 HP.

 

These mods combined should put you at an operating RPM of 5800-6000 RPM. The 60 HP makes it's full power at the prop shaft at 5800, so anything less is just robbing you of power. If you have any other questions, hit me up! ?

[fpnick]

I’m running a 2020 Mercury 60 on my 16 scout and I’m getting 37/38 mph at WOT running an aluminum 4 blade spitfire. I’m looking to go up in diameter and pitch because there feels to be a lot more to the engine, and possibly thinking about adding a jackplate to run in shallower water and get better performance.

[CrashVector]

50 minutes ago, fpnick said:

I’m running a 2020 Mercury 60 on my 16 scout and I’m getting 37/38 mph at WOT running an aluminum 4 blade spitfire. I’m looking to go up in diameter and pitch because there feels to be a lot more to the engine, and possibly thinking about adding a jackplate to run in shallower water and get better performance.

 

Why though?  You're gonna drop a chunk of money...for more speed...in a fishing boat.

 

My 18' hydrasports with a 115 Evinrude is capable of about 56-58mph wide open.  I RARELY go above 30-35.

 

You're going fishing.  Enjoy the ride out to your spot.  It's a fishing boat, not a drag race.

[TOXIC]

6 hours ago, fpnick said:

I’m running a 2020 Mercury 60 on my 16 scout and I’m getting 37/38 mph at WOT running an aluminum 4 blade spitfire. I’m looking to go up in diameter and pitch because there feels to be a lot more to the engine, and possibly thinking about adding a jackplate to run in shallower water and get better performance.

What are your WOT rpm’s? What is the recommended rpm range for your motor?  You can’t do it by “feel”. 

[Alex from GA]

I have a 16' bassboat with a 45hp engine and changed props last year.  Top speed is now 30 and before the $300 prop it was 28.  Is it worth $300 for 2 mph; not to me.