Prop selection for '02 50hp Tracker

[nospark1196]

Purchased boat/motor used, original owner added a Merc. Vengence prop (48-855858 A 5 13P). The motor is mounted on a Bass Tracker Pro 16.5. I think it weighs at least 1400lb. I weigh +- 175lb and my buddy weighs +-275 . We only use this boat for fishing. Is this the correct diameter and pitch? There is a decal on the cav plate above the prop that has 12x22 1.83:1. I would appreciate any advise y'all have. I get 30mph(on GPS) with this prop.Should I expect more mph ?

 

[ob]

Re: Prop selection for '02 50hp Tracker

nospark1196,There is a good possibilty that your boat and motor combo is propped good as it is for your intended use.However , only a water test will confirm whether it is capable of turning the recommended rpms at WOT with the load you mentioned.If your boat is rigged with a tach just verify the rpms on your next outing.If its not,I recommend you have one installed.Without it ,you're flying blind.If rpms are under recommended,decrease prop pitch,if over ,incerase pitch.30 mph GPS sounds good for a 50hp pushing a 16.5 ft rig.Was that with a light load?<br /><br />As for the numbers you pulled from the lower unit,those are simply the driveshaft to propshaft gear ratios looked at two ways.Divide 12 into 24 and you'll get 1.83. Good luck

 

[nospark1196]

Re: Prop selection for '02 50hp Tracker

30 mph(gps)was with a full load. RPMs are at 5300-5600 WOT. I guess that is ideal, but I'm never satisfied ! I just love speed . By the way, ob, you are not that far from where I fish. I fish the Seadrift/Port O'Connor area. That is probably 75 miles away from you. Sometimes we head over near Rockport. Thanks for the info.

 

[nospark1196]

Re: Prop selection for '02 50hp Tracker

30 mph(gps)was with a full load. RPMs are at 5300-5600 WOT. I guess that is ideal, but I'm never satisfied ! I just love speed . By the way, ob, you are not that far from where I fish. I fish the Seadrift/Port O'Connor area. That is probably 75 miles away from you. Sometimes we head over near Rockport. Thanks for the info.

 

[ob]

Re: Prop selection for '02 50hp Tracker

yeah.Small world online huh.We do a lot of fishing up Lydia Ann Channel out of Port A and cruise around into Redfish Bay.Maybe we'll cross paths one of these days.If you like shooting video while hammering the Black Drum run in late Feb thru March we like fishing in the channel across from the Navy docks on the east end of CC bay.Happy motoring <br /><br />PS ,Sounds like your propping is good to go.