Newbee prop ?

[Reel Deal]

I just bought a 88' starcraft 22 fiberglass fishing boat. It has the 230 hp 5.0lx merc in it and I just had it tuned up and it runs nice. I had it out a few times and it struggles to get on plane. When it does it really flies. Could never get it to wot to see what the rpms are, it has been to rough. But it cruises at 22 knots at 3000 rpm. The boat it heavy and it has a 17 pitch prop on it now. I'm not worried about being the fastest boat out there but I would like it to jump out of the water better and be able to occasoinally tow my kids tubing.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[tmh]

Re: Newbee prop ?

Sounds like you're a bit underpowered with the 220 hp but if you make the compromise of take off over top end you should be OK. Is your current prop aluminum or SS? Is it in perfect condition? I'd say you need a higher tech SS prop to help make up for the engine/heavy boat combe you have....that may mean paying $300+ for the prop.

I have a 19" Stiletto Baypro II 4-blade SS on my boat which cost upwards of $320 but it makes my boat perform much better than the 3-blade i had. I don't THINK they make it in a 16" but if so it may be great one for you - check it out. The 4-blades will help with hole shot and lower speed plane for tubing, etc.

Also, you might want to call john at Nauticus to discuss Smart tabs. they help a LOT in getting on plane fast. I'm just not sure what they recommend for your particular boat. It would be $150-$175 well spent! IF you get the tabs, do that before spending money on prop testing as the results will change with the trim tabs.

I think that once you find the right prop for what you want you'll be surprised how different your boat is!

 

[Reel Deal]

Re: Newbee prop ?

The boat acts like its under powered but as I was shoppng I seen the same boat with 4.3's in them. They all had trim tabs so I think thats were I'll start. I like the smart tab idea, it looks like a afforable compremise to hyd. tabs. I'll try that and go from there. The prop I have is 3 blade aluminum and its brand new. The boat has a new lower unit on it including prop. I also have the old prop as a spare and its the same pitch.

Is there any one with the smart tabs on there boat and are they the composit or aluminum. Looking for some real world feed back.

thanks