Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

[xxturbowesxx]

my current setup is a 18ft procraft fish n ski/150hp mariner 2stroke,21 pitch 3blade ss prop..with me,trolling motor,and about 50lbs of gear it runs 54mph ~5800 rpms a little high. i use the boat for 40% watersports 40% cruising 20% fishing..

currently my setup does a good job of towing skiers and wakeboarders if they have some sort of experience but i love to teach people and convert as many people as i can so i could use a little more holeshot for that. also the prop looses bite easily while turning..

woiuld going to a 21pitch 4blade ss prop give me more holeshot for this? and im wondering if i can maintain my speed because the boat doesnt trim out as much as im used to and doesnt create the bowlift of similar hulled bass boats. will the 4blade create enough bowlift for me to counter the drag of the extra blade and maintain or better my top speed?

i was considering buying 2 extra alum props one for teaching skiers and heavy loads and one for top speed any suggestions if i go this route?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

Can't be too specific but 4 blade props are said to improve low end performance with a slight loss of top end.Do you trim in for turns?
Is your prop in good shape.Some vent a prop (drilled holes)to improve hole shot.You might try a search for the topic here.Its possible your motor is a smidge too high lowering may may allow more trim but may decrease top end a little the additional trim may combat the loss.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

If the majority of your water activities are sports related, the hole shot is what you'd be looking for. Reduction in pitch will increase your top end RPM , which you don't want. Going to a 23p will decrease your RPM by approx 400 and get you a better holeshot. You will also lose a few MPH. Another alternative is a slightly larger diameter, but don't go too large or the engine won't have the power to spin it properly. You didn't specify diameter, but you might away with a 15" to a 15 3/4". Not real sure about the 4 blade as I have never used or needed one. See if your local repair shop will loan 3-4 props for your use with a minimal deposit. Most around will if you have a decent relationship with them. You will probably want to have 2 props on hand. One for water sports and one for speed. Keep spare cotter pins and washers on hand as well (as I just had to find out the hard way).

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

If the majority of your water activities are sports related, the hole shot is what you'd be looking for. Reduction in pitch will increase your top end RPM , which you don't want. Going to a 23p will decrease your RPM by approx 400 and get you a better holeshot. You will also lose a few MPH. Another alternative is a slightly larger diameter, but don't go too large or the engine won't have the power to spin it properly. You didn't specify diameter, but you might away with a 15" to a 15 3/4". Not real sure about the 4 blade as I have never used or needed one. See if your local repair shop will loan 3-4 props for your use with a minimal deposit. Most around will if you have a decent relationship with them. You will probably want to have 2 props on hand. One for water sports and one for speed. Keep spare cotter pins and washers on hand as well (as I just had to find out the hard way).

Going to a 23P "may" decrease rpm, and it may NOT if it's a good quality SS with the correct lift...Maybe a 200 drop and higher speed, BUT...it WILL NOT get you a better hole-shot than the 21P.
When you talk prop diameter, be sure and understand that an increase in diameter can, in some cases, add blade area....not what you want on this type of boat, and the diameter is only on the playing field if you're willing to adjust the mounting location of the engine....bolt-holes or jackplate....If you aren't willing to adjust the set-up, stay away from 4-blades as you won't be able to use the technology unless you are willing to lift the engine.

I don't want to vote because the option I would choose is not there..
A high-quality 3-bld vented SS would be my choice.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

i have a ss shooter 21 pitch so what pitch would you go with?

 

[Senderofan]

Re: Please Help me choose a Prop for my 1st boat

Going to a 23P "may" decrease rpm, and it may NOT if it's a good quality SS with the correct lift...Maybe a 200 drop and higher speed, BUT...it WILL NOT get you a better hole-shot than the 21P.
When you talk prop diameter, be sure and understand that an increase in diameter can, in some cases, add blade area....not what you want on this type of boat, and the diameter is only on the playing field if you're willing to adjust the mounting location of the engine....bolt-holes or jackplate....If you aren't willing to adjust the set-up, stay away from 4-blades as you won't be able to use the technology unless you are willing to lift the engine.

I don't want to vote because the option I would choose is not there..
A high-quality 3-bld vented SS would be my choice.

Guys...Listen up...You're getting some good information. Mr. Walleyehed got me on the right path with just a few comments and a little advice. The guy knows props, motors and boat combinations!!

Wayne