prop test at WOT?

[jokaj]

When I read about evaluating prop pitch, I hear about WOT. Is this WOT at hole shot, trim down, or at plan? Is there a difference if I am at WOT on glass or in rough water? Thanks, I am going to do some evaluations in two weeks when I get my boat out.....

thanks

joe

 

[hwsiii]

Re: prop test at WOT?

Jokaj, when WOT is talked about on this forum it means the highest speed attained on plane with the motor trimmed up as much as possible to attain the fastest speed. Most of the time the WOT speed will be a little bit faster when the water is not slick, as it helps break the surface tension drag of the water on the hull.

H

 

[Dhadley]

Re: prop test at WOT?

Prop evaluations are done with an average load in average conditions for how you use the boat. You look for top rpm at max speed. You may find that a given prop gives a slightly better top speed but another one handles better or carries a load better or holds a better attitude at mid range. Any of these props could be perfect for your needs as long as the top rpm falls with parameters for a long engine life.

A "perfect" prop for you may or may not be a "perfect" prop for someone with an identical boat. You may be looking for the best possible top speed with a light load. Someone with the same boat may be looking for the best possible speed with a tournament load. Lots of variables but you always look for top rpm at max speed with an average load.

 

[cribber]

Re: prop test at WOT?

I just picked up my 3rd prop this year since I'm trying to tweak my setup and have it narrowed to two props I run with an OEM prop as my backup. Picked up a Stiletto Bay II 4 blade stainless steel the wife loves. It's 14.25x20"... I gave up about 4 mph on top end but mid range handling increased and got nearly a second better on holeshot and my planing speed dropped to 19 mph from 21 on a good weather day.

I bought a 3 blade Turning Point Hustler on sale and it was okay with my setup. I picked up the 14.25x21" and got my top end speed back, but not much improvement over the OEM propeller from Volvo. BTW my boat is a 3.0l Glastron GT-185 that is just under 3K Lbs fully loaded for a day of fun on the lakes.

My point is it's all about compromise when tweaking prop performance. Find a local dealer that has a prop swap program and when you nail your setup buy if from those guys.

 

[jokaj]

Re: prop test at WOT?

Thanks for your replies! My boat came with a 19" prop and it took forever to plane. Apparently the manufacture determined the prop size based upon 1/2 tank of gas and two people. My dealer is lending me a 17" and 15" prop. I might get both, one for my average boating and one for a heavy load. I will see when I take my boat out. Thanks again.

joe