Prop question 3 are 4 blade?

[RayCraftsman]

I'm running a Johnson 2 stroke 115HP on a V160 Ray Craft which has a dry weight of 900lbs two people about 350lbs and gear not over 50lbs., 15.83 ft long and a 7ft beam length.Right now it has a 13.3/8x17 alum.prop. Was told by a prop salesman that a 13.25x17 4 blade would be better. Does anyone have any input on this pros and cons? I use the boat for fishing and just cruising the lake.

 

[Sea Rider]

Welcome to Iboats,

Without posting a tach reading at wot as loaded with current prop won't see the light at the end of the tunnel any time soon..

Happy Boating

 

[Starcraft5834]

As stated.. the prop you are running might be perfect.... until rpm numbers at WOT are known.....very little can be offered.. a 115 on a 16ft boat? i'd surmise not much of your hull would be on the water at WOT... .. Generally speaking.. 4 blade props are best for heavy under powered boats. you have neither problem...

 

[jimmbo]

Since there were Crossflow 115s, in both crank rated and prop rated versions, prop rated looper 115s, and finally the FICHT 115, which do you have?
As mentioned, unless we have the info as to how fast the engine is running at WOT with your current prop, any recommendation for a different prop is just a guess, it might be an accurate one, but it is a guess. Most boats the size of yours, with the crossflow 115 run a 3 blade 17. a forth blade will kill your top speed, and lower the rpm. How Much? Don't know, and it might lower it below the bottom of the WOT range.

 

[WesNewell]

I had a ~1975 17' 1100# dry Ray Craft bass boat with a 115 evirrude engine and iirc I ran a 19p prop on it, so I'd guess you are under proped with a 17p on such a light boat. First thing I'd check is engine mount height if you're looking for best performance out of the combo.