22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

[FISH KILLA]

I have had the rig a couple years now but I am just getting around to examning performance. I am unsure what prop I have but will be looking into it and let you guys know. I have a 2000 Johnson 200 hp. Gear ratio is 1.86. It is on a 2000 22 foot Champion tunnel champ. A couple issues I have are hole shot could be alot better I think. I seem to run around 40 mph at 4000 rpm but when cruising in choppy water the rpms will change like it starts to suck air. The rpms will jump about 200 - 400 for a bit then drop back. It makes a higher pitch sound when this happens like I said it is ventilating or cavitating. I am unsure of the proper term.

What prop would you guys recomend for all around good performance and efficiency? I am more concerned with my hole shot, fuel efficiency and handling in choppy waters than top speed. Any input is appreciated.

 

[rndn]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Welcome to the forum!!
Your rpm's should run between 5000-6000 leaning closer to 6000. You really need to get your rpm's up. Is the motor running good? All tuned up with good fuel? Reducing pitch by 1 inch will increase your rpm's by about 200. Unless you have some weird 30" pitch prop on there now, something is wrong with your setup or motor. What prop are you using now?

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

you need a good four blade with a lot of cup. this will help the ventilation problem, tunnel boats will ventilate in rough water when the prop is worn. Tunnel boats are much more sensitive to minor prop wear than regular hulls due to the high motor mounting. Find out what pitch your prop is and maybe drop an inch or two depending on your wide open rpm's , as rndn said you want to be close to 6000 at full throttle trimmed out.

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Thanks guys. I am going to get the numbers off my current prop and hopefully test out max rpms this saturday. From reading this forum I know there is much data I am lacking for you guys to really give me a solid suggestion. I appreciate the responses already though. I did speak to Red Wing boats here in houston and they sell Champions. I am not positive but I am pretty sure my max speed is around 51 and that is at about 5400 rpm. I think I am over propped and like you guys have already said maybe a 4 blade or a lower pitch 3 blade with more cup would help the hole shot and ventilation. Again, once I gather the other info I will repost and hopefully you guyas can help me out. Thanks for the welcome and the advice.

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

I got he numbers off my prop and talked to my local prop experts. The prop installed is a viper SS 14 3/4 by 19 P/N 176627. It appears to be cupped all ready. From speaking to my local guys they recommended a prop of this type and specs but I guess we will not know untill I test WOT rpm and speed.

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Had some test time this weekend please tell me what you guys think.

Water was slick calm with not a ripple. WOT rpm was 5400. That was trimmed out and jacked up. Speed was around 45 mph. Holeshot seemed great actually and I had none of the choppy water issues as far as ventilation. I know this may just be the nature of my tunell hull. I ran about 24.5 miles by the gps and it took 10.96 gallons to fill her back up to full. That is 2.2 miles per gallon. How do you judge a boats efficientcy? By miles per gallon or gallons per hour? Is there anything I can do to improve holeshot and ventilation problems in choppier water conditions? Maybe a bit more cup and a little less pitch? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Does anyone have any thing to input here? From everything i have read it seems I may be able to take out a couple inches and add more cup. -2" should get me to around 5800 rpm and adding cup I guess will bring me back around 5700 maybe? Would the extra cup on my 3 blade do as much good or close to it of what a 4 blade would do in the choppy water? I just don't like the venting in the tunnell. Is this prop work worth it or should I try a 4 blade? What pitch 4 blade if so?

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

GEE Thanks guys!!!!

ALL this input is great! I'll be sure to tell everyone to check out the site. Very helpful!

 

[tmh]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Hey Killa, sorry some folks actually WORK during the day and aren't here to answer all your questions immediately and for free.

I suggest you go to a local prop shop to get the attention you deserve. This board just doesn't seem right for you.

However, to show we care, I'd recommend a six blade "Mercury Complainer Max" for your boat. I'll refund your consultant fee if this doesn't do the job for you.

 

[FISH KILLA]

Re: 22' Tunnel Champ w/Johnson 200...prop?

Hey Killa, sorry some folks actually WORK during the day and aren't here to answer all your questions immediately and for free.

I suggest you go to a local prop shop to get the attention you deserve. This board just doesn't seem right for you.

However, to show we care, I'd recommend a six blade "Mercury Complainer Max" for your boat. I'll refund your consultant fee if this doesn't do the job for you.

Thanks Captain! Just as I thought if I ruffled some feathers it would get a reply. I have waited days (5) adding to my post. Just thought I could get it answered by being a little *** like. Just looking for help here without much luck obviously. Thanks any ways people. I guess the prop shop it is.