Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

[gnarbrah]

Hi all - I just got my little 6 horse running good again but I am wondering if a prop change might be beneficial for me. The prop on it is the factory 2 blade and it just won't quite plane out my 12' skiff. If I lean forward it will plane but as soon as I sit back down it drops off.

Would a 3 blade make a difference?

Thanks

 

[fiftiesoutboards]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

The standard prop should plane one person and a light load, no problem, assuming trim adjustment and weight distribution are maximized. Is it an aluminum 12 footer? Have you tried moving the tank forward or using a bit of bow ballast? Is the motor trimmed vertical?
The six is really cutting it close as far as power. A 7.5 or 10 would make a big difference. Good luck!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

As suggested move some weight forward.You could get a tiller extension
so you can sit on the middle seat.If your that close try trimming in a notch.
If one notch seems too much buy or make some wedges for the mounting bracket so you can get a half notch

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

It's a fiberglass 12 footer so it's definitely heavier. I also made a casting deck that rests on the middle seat so unfortunately I can't sit there with the tiller extension anymore. It did plane out with me sitting in the middle seat before I put in the deck (made of 3/4" plywood). I'm kicking around the idea of getting an aluminum boat just to lighten it up. Would a 12or 14 foot v-hull aluminum have a better chance at planing?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

It's a fiberglass 12 footer so it's definitely heavier. I also made a casting deck that rests on the middle seat so unfortunately I can't sit there with the tiller extension anymore. It did plane out with me sitting in the middle seat before I put in the deck (made of 3/4" plywood). I'm kicking around the idea of getting an aluminum boat just to lighten it up. Would a 12or 14 foot v-hull aluminum have a better chance at planing?

Yes get yourself a big 14 You need a nice long wide surface to help it get up.
The length will help it plane off too. Just keep the weight down.A boat with full floor and casting deck will be too heavy.But a bare bones big 14 should do well.Maybe a light casting deck.And you'll feel like your on the queen mary with all the room and stability.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

That's kind of what I was thinking - A nice big roomy 14 footer! I did however find a 1970 9.5 Evinrude for $100 and I'm hoping to get started this weekend. I can't get rid of the 6horse though....I'm starting to feel an addiction....Anybody else here have that problem?

 

[pecheux]

Re: Possible prop change for 1975 Johnson 6hp

...I'm starting to feel an addiction....Anybody else here have that problem?

Yep. one 9.9 one 15 hp two 6 hp but do have 2 boats. figure I have to sell a few ... LOL