Prop question

[Dick Bacon]

I have a 17.5 foot Tracker deep v aluminum with a Mercury 70hp motor. My prop is 13.25 x 17 pitch 3 blade aluminum. I am happy with the top end speed. My holeshot with a couple guys and fishing gear is good. But when I get my wife and kids in the boat plus another friend or so and want to pull a tube, it takes forever to get on plane. I have to shift people to the front of the boat. I was thinking of switching to a 15 pitch 3 blade or maybe a 15 pitch 4 blade to improve holeshot. I am not really worried about top end. I was leaning toward the Amita 13 x 15p 4 blade or maybe the Hustler 13.75 x 15p 3 blade - both aluminum . Any advice to improve hole shot ? Would either of these props help me ?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop question

When determining which prop to use we need to keep the top rpm in mind. Yes, you will most likely have a second prop for heavy loads and pulling water toys. You'll need a spare prop anyway.

If we were proping out your rig we'd start by looking at your set up and make sure the current set up is maxed out for the prop you have.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Prop question

I have a 17.5 foot Tracker deep v aluminum with a Mercury 70hp motor. My prop is 13.25 x 17 pitch 3 blade aluminum. I am happy with the top end speed. My holeshot with a couple guys and fishing gear is good. But when I get my wife and kids in the boat plus another friend or so and want to pull a tube, it takes forever to get on plane. I have to shift people to the front of the boat. I was thinking of switching to a 15 pitch 3 blade or maybe a 15 pitch 4 blade to improve holeshot. I am not really worried about top end. I was leaning toward the Amita 13 x 15p 4 blade or maybe the Hustler 13.75 x 15p 3 blade - both aluminum . Any advice to improve hole shot ? Would either of these props help me ?

You are headed in the right direction, but let's be sure your current setup is perfect. What is your current RPM at WOT?

Having a spare prop never hurts, but it sounds like you want to just use a single prop and are willing to give up your "empty" performance to prop for heavy times.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Prop question

My WOT RPM is around 5500. I want a spare prop that I can use for the heavy loads,

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop question

I would suggest a16" 4 bld.Solas Amita in a diameter close to your present.
Better hole shot,stay on plane with less throttle.better handling at speed and at the
dock.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Prop question

My choices from this site for the Amita aluminum 4 blade is 13 x 15 or
12.75 x 17. Those are the closest choices to what I have now.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Prop question

Smart tabs. No messin' with props. Really. They'll help get your butt out of the water and also overall stability. The prop you're running at WOT sounds right.

 

[Dick Bacon]

Re: Prop question

Went with a Solas Amita four blade in 13 X 15. It works great. Great hole shot, keeps the nose down, great steering. I only lost about 4 mph. I am very happy with it and highly recommend it.