Prop, which way to go

dreadinger

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
45
I have a new boat to me, it is a Tracker 19' magna cc. I took it out for the first time yesterday and it only ran at 4700rpm's and 30mph after trimmed out. It has a 1975 johnson with a 13 1/4 x 17 prop. I need some advice on how to get the rpm's into the optimum range.
 

hwsiii

Commander
Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Messages
2,639
Re: Prop, which way to go

Dread, I need to know what horse power engine, gear ratio of lower unit and manufacturer and model of propeller. As well as minimum and maximum RPM at Wide Open Throttle.

H
 

dreadinger

Seaman Apprentice
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Jan 6, 2009
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Re: Prop, which way to go

Sorry I left it out,115hp 4500-5500rpm, I dont know what mfg the prop is.
 

dreadinger

Seaman Apprentice
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Jan 6, 2009
Messages
45
Re: Prop, which way to go

book says propeller gear ratio is 13:26
 

dreadinger

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
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45
Re: Prop, which way to go

One of the options in my service manual is a 14x13, any thoughts on that to increase my rpm's?
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Prop, which way to go

Your engine has 2:1 gear ratio. Running the numbers through the calculator shows that the 13P prop would give you just a slight (1 mph) speed increase and raise the rpm to 5500 rpm. Slip comes out to about 10% vs over 20% with the other prop (based on the numbers you provided).
 

dreadinger

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
45
Re: Prop, which way to go

That will work for me, my main goal was to increase the rpm's. The top end speed is fine. Thanks!
 

junior1113

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
763
Re: Prop, which way to go

first make sure setup is maxed out it engine up high enough is cav plate above or below the bottom of transom seems that motor should do a lot more than it is on this application also think it would be worth it to chech out tach
 

hwsiii

Commander
Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Messages
2,639
Re: Prop, which way to go

Dread, my calculations show a drop of RPM to under 5,200 RPM and a slight loss in speed, if you stay with the same model of prop you have now. If you change to a different model prop it is impossible to compare the geometry differences in the props without knowledge of each prop and come up with a real assessment of the number differences between them in my opinion, unless they are both just standard aluminum props.

H
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Prop, which way to go

first make sure setup is maxed out it engine up high enough is cav plate above or below the bottom of transom seems that motor should do a lot more than it is on this application also think it would be worth it to chech out tach
As suggested raising the motor could improve your performance at no cost.
an inch higher could net a couple of mph and some rpm.Then careful prop selection cold get even better performance.A slight improvement in mileage should also result.
 

hwsiii

Commander
Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Messages
2,639
Re: Prop, which way to go

Steele, I agree with your statement wholeheartedly, and it only takes time and NO money dread.

H
 
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