New prop

[trackerjoe86]

I currently have the stock prop that came on my boat and was investigating changing it to a stainless to get better top end speed and better holeshot. Is the pitch and other required information stamped on the prop somewhere or where do I go to find the exact prop I need? Will it actually do that much good to replace it? I'm running a Tracker Targa V18WT with a 115hp 4 stroke Mercury less than 5 months old.

thanks

 

[robert graham]

Re: New prop

Remove prop and look at front for numbers stamped giving pitch and diameter....I doubt you'll be able to see or feel much difference in hole shot or top speed, especially for the high price of a stainless prop. You could get the stainless prop and keep your old one for a spare. Good Luck!

 

[blouderback]

Re: New prop

If you can tell us what your Wide Open Throttle (WOT) RPMs are, and then compare that the the manufacturer's reccommended WOT RPMs, then you can purchase a different pitch prop to maximize your RPMs. As a rule of thumb, going down 1 inch in pitch usually means about an increase of 200 RPMs. Of course, more RPMs means more speed. On the other hand, better holeshot will be achieved with a lower pitch prop, but then you have to be careful to not over-rev then engine at higher speeds.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: New prop

+1, get at least your WOT rpm and gps speed for the experts on here. Then when/if you get a new prop it might perform a little better than the old one which can be used for a spare. If you get a SS one there may be a difference to take into account and the right prop will be slightly different than an AL one. SS might not make much difference but having a spare SS or AL is alwyas a good idea.

 

[trackerjoe86]

Re: New prop

Thanks guys. I'll look into getting the GPS speed and the existing prop size soon. When I get ready to change the oil I'll pull the prop. I'm thinking my RPM's are running around 6000 or a little over at WOT. My top speed is around 34mph at the current factory setup. My goal is not to unrealistically think I can get to 50 mph but I just want to maximize what I have and get the top performance.

 

[jestor68]

Re: New prop

Your WOT rpm range is 5800-6400 rpm. That means that the motor reaches peak HP at 6000-6100 rpm.

For best all around performance, it's recommended to prop it to run at or near it's peak rpm with a "light" load in order to maintain good performance when carrying more load.

Since Tracker lists the estimated speed with the 115 4 stroke as 33-35 mph, it looks like you're right there in the ball park.

Dropping to the next lower pitch SS might gain you 1-2 mph and a little more (200?)rpm.

 

[trackerjoe86]

Re: New prop

thanks. Then I'll use this info. and just get a back-up prop to keep handy in case i meet any nice rocks on the lake.

 

[ufm82]

Re: New prop

Since you are running in the WOT range right now you appear to be set up correctly. If you change to the SS prop you'll see some improvement on both maybe. More cup on the blades will give you better bite and CAN improve holeshot and top end. But not always. There are many other factors involved in getting the absolute max out of any set up. Engine height in relation to the keel, weight distribution, type of prop (3 or 4 blade, etc) blah, blah, blah. Your current speed of 34 seems low to me but I don't think 50 is possible. You just don't have the hp for that. If the boat is tweaked properly you may see mid 40's. It's quite hard to go fast on the water and the only thing that gets you there is power. My 19' center console will hit 50 with the 150 Merc on the back and just so. But to get to 60 I'd have to go to a 225 most likely. And that's just crazy talk.