Prop Advice/Question

[CRFan1]

Ok so I have a 16' alumacraft with a 60HP Merc EFI 4 stroke on back and I am currently running a Michigan wheel apollo 10.5 x 13" pitch prop. My boat is pretty loaded with 3 batteries, trolling motor, gear etc. here is my dilmena:

- With one person in the boat I pull 5900 rpm (operating range is 5500 to 6000) and I get 34 MPH...I am RARELY the only one in the boat

- With 2 people in the boat I do around 5700 at 32.5

- With 3 people in the boat (which is 90% of the time I have it out), I pull 5400 on average at 29.5 to 30 mph which is fine but I have a serious problem getting out of the hole.....especially if there is any water in the live well. I somebody does not move up front it just won't get on plane.

2 Questions.....will a 4 bladed prob help? If so, what size? should i go a hair smaller to get the rpm's up? Also, i noticed my antiventilation plate is about an inch LOWER than the bottom of my boat. I know this can affect top end and such but will it impact getting out of the hole too? I am actually going to call the shop and inquire about getting it moved up.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Advice/Question

The antivent plate should be visible on plane.I usually suggest raising it to a point just before venting becomes a problem.In the extreme some gain 2 to 3 mph.
Expect less.It could slightly improve hole shot, rpm and top end.
A 4 blade should help hole shot. I would suggest 1" less pitch than your present prop.
the 4 blade may allow even more height.You might wait till you get the 4 blade
before raising the motor.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Prop Advice/Question

Steelspike hit the nail right on the head....LOL.
I have agree with every part of what he says.

Id have to say your set up is as close as your going to get, short of maybe raising the motor just a bit.

 

[CRFan1]

Re: Prop Advice/Question

The antivent plate should be visible on plane.I usually suggest raising it to a point just before venting becomes a problem.In the extreme some gain 2 to 3 mph.
Expect less.It could slightly improve hole shot, rpm and top end.
A 4 blade should help hole shot. I would suggest 1" less pitch than your present prop.
the 4 blade may allow even more height.You might wait till you get the 4 blade
before raising the motor.

Thanks! I decided to order a 4 blade Solas Amita....one thing the smallest I could get it in was my current pitch of 10.5 x 13. Honestly, if it helps me get out of the hole better I will be happy! My top speed is fine. I also think my set up is very close as bifflefan says. I cannot see my antivent plate on plane either so I think a combo of raising the motor and the 4 blade should hopefully be the ticket.