just fishing for some experienced thinking

[jwalterus]

I have a 1959 Crestliner Buccaneer 15', got tired of tinkering with the carb on the old Lark every time I was out, so I purchased a low hour 2000 Johnson 50hp outboard which is now sitting on the boat

the motor came off a 2000 Crestliner 1600 super hawk, prop is original to the motor, stock prop is 12.25x15 pitch which turned 5200 rpm on that boat at WOT

the prop is ding-free, so a local prop repair guy told me he will trade me straight across for a 19 pitch prop he has that was repaired as long as I do it in the next 2 weeks, I won't be able to get the boat out on the water to try it before then

I'm just wondering if since the 15 pitch prop was good for the 1600 if it will be way too shallow on my boat

1600 weight: 1000 dry (according to the plate on it) + motor and gear
Buccaneer weight: 560lbs completely loaded out (motor on, gear in it, batteries, fuel, etc)

now, do you think I should go ahead and do the swap now, or should I wait and purchase the prop later if it turns out I do need a bigger pitch?

 

[gm280]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

I'd wait because the change in pitch will most certainly change your max RPMs which may not get the job done as you liked...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

I'd wait and with just a 50 if you go up it may only be 2". 4" on what you said is a lot of prop change and just because the numbers say 150-200 rpm/inch, doesn't include the torque curve of the engine.....which you never see posted. The 4" cheap prop could turn out to be a bummer as it may choke the engine down and 2 strokes don't like that.....they just die, just like a diesel tractor or OTR truck that you overloaded.

I prop for the max rated rpm or slightly above with the min. load. Others prop differently. Over the years I have learned that 2 strokes like to run, not lug which translates to lots of rpms for the job at hand. You have to make your own decision on that. I run Mercs and their torque curve is flat at the top and if I can get air and fuel into the engine it will continue to turn the rpms. But get on the low end and they will just die back and grunt miserably and may not even get the boat on plane.

Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

Your boat is about 335lbs without floor,controls,windshield motor etc.
I'm guessing the Fishhawk is over 1000. We have a 57 Bucaneer 18' that weighs 330 dry weight
Also have a 77 18ft Voyager that I believe is 375 dry weight.Both of these are bare tiller operated boats.
The 77 has a 88 50 Evinrude all up weight is about 1000 lbs with one aboard.It runs a 19" prop.
It has excellent hole shot and nearly flies as good any 50 could.Pulls an aggressive 180 pounder on a slalom
using a 90 lb adult spotter.Unfortunately no performance specs.
Your boat has a minor disadvantage with a smaller footprint making it a little harder to get up on plane as you add weight.
I do think a 19 could serve well for most activities and loads. If it turns out to be a little too much
A good prop shop could remove a little pitch, or you could keep it for a spare or sell it and get a smaller new prop.

 

[wildbill3740]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

are you running stainless or aluminum props?

 

[jestor68]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

The prop selector says your 50 with a 2.23 gear ratio and stated weight should turn a 19 pitch to about 5400 rpm.

I would encourage you to purchase a new Solas aluminum prop instead of a "repaired" prop, as repaired props are often out of wack and don't work as well as a new prop. For a few dollars more, you're assured stellar performance, since Solas aluminum props work as well as most SS props.

 

[steelespike]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

The prop selector says your 50 with a 2.23 gear ratio and stated weight should turn a 19 pitch to about 5400 rpm.

I would encourage you to purchase a new Solas aluminum prop instead of a "repaired" prop, as repaired props are often out of wack and don't work as well as a new prop. For a few dollars more, you're assured stellar performance, since Solas aluminum props work as well as most SS props.

He's swapping a 15 even for the 19. Assuming a reliable shop he won't be too bad off with a "free" prop.

 

[jwalterus]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

Your boat is about 335lbs without floor,controls,windshield motor etc.
I'm guessing the Fishhawk is over 1000. We have a 57 Bucaneer 18' that weighs 330 dry weight

Your boat has a minor disadvantage with a smaller footprint making it a little harder to get up on plane as you add weight

The 560lb weight is as my boat weighs right now, motor on it, gear and fuel loaded, as according to my scales (tared to bare trailer while the boat was off to replace rollers)
my interior is not original, my floor has been replaced with aluminum and pressure treated 1/4" plywood, benches are foamboard and plastic, relatively stern-heavy empty
have never had problems getting on plane with the old 35

are you running stainless or aluminum props?

both are aluminum

He's swapping a 15 even for the 19. Assuming a reliable shop he won't be too bad off with a "free" prop.

he is reliable, he's been in business for years, is close to retirement and only open 2 hours a day now
I've had him repair props and skegs before, and have never heard of anyone having problems with him

thank you all for your input, I still have a little time to think about it, but I'm leaning toward the swap at this point

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

a local prop repair guy told me he will trade me straight across for a 19 pitch prop he has that was repaired as long as I do it in the next 2 weeks

Any time somebody puts a time constraint on a deal like this, it's not because he's a good guy - he's pressuring you into the trade for his reasons - he probably needs that prop for another customer, and doesn't want to have to buy one - but you can be sure he'll charge them for that "new" prop that cost him nothing.

 

[jwalterus]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

actually went to a garage sale today (first one I've seen this year)
found a 17 pitch prop on a '99 johnson 40 the guy was selling for $150 with a locked up powerhead, got him to sell it to me for $20, so I'm going to try that
I think it'll be better than a 15 pitch, I guess I'll just have to wait and see

 

[jwalterus]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

got it out on the water with the 11.75"x17p prop yesterday and a whale tail on it, full load of gear and a buddy
35mph with a 5mph headwind at 5400 rpm (what I held it to, wasn't quite WOT), based off 2 speedometers (pitot and sonar paddle wheel)
I'd guess it probably had another 200-400 rpm in the throttle based on travel, not sure how safe it is to run over 5500
anybody know of a prop larger than 19p available for these?

 

[steelespike]

Re: just fishing for some experienced thinking

I'm running a 88 50 hp Evinrude tiller. on a 77 Crestliner voyager 18' 375 lbs. No gauges but a has been operating since 88..
Your Bucaneer is 335 lbs dry
Not including any accessories. My Figures indicate your boat and motor are 573 lbs 238 for the motor.
I think a new 19" Solas Amita or Rubex Will work for you.Worst that might happen is you'll need a good prop shop
to add some pitch or cup.I think my 18 gets up on the water easier than yours with the big foot print. Your running about the same weight with a smaller foot print so a little harder to push.