Props for pushing a slug

[UnTiredRon]

I've been told props for pushing a pontoon are a different pitch than for a boat that can plane. I have a 24' pontoon with a 50hp, 12 1/2" prop. Where should I start with a 'pusher' prop? WOP is listed as 4500-5000. Yes, I'm a FNG and as dumb as they come [first boat] so I ask dumb questions, but, I learn fast, 'specially when it costs me money. Is a boat really a hole in the water you throw money into?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Props for pushing a slug

First of all, how about telling us the make and year of your 50hp?<br /><br /> What altitude is Big Bear Lake at?

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Props for pushing a slug

Sounds like its close now. Most small 14 foot or so fishing boats with a 50 normally use something like a 14-15 inch pitch prop.<br /><br />You'll need a good/accurate tachometer. Go to the lake, if it winds up to 4500-5000, the 12 1/2 is perfect.<br /><br />If it only goes to 4000ish, get a inch or so smaller pitch.<br /><br />If it tachs out with a normal load above 5000, get a inch or so bigger pitch. <br /><br />After that's done,<br />If the speed isn't where you want it and the boat is stout enough, you'll have to buy more horsepower and start the prop search over.<br /><br />I saw a couple of guys that hung a pair of 200 hp Mercs.on the back of a pontoon boat and got it almost to 100mph.

 

[UnTiredRon]

Re: Props for pushing a slug

The 50 hp is a '95 Johnson. Big Bear Lake is at about 7000'. Ron