right prop?

mtntoon

Recruit
Joined
Mar 22, 2011
Messages
3
ok i have a mid 90's johnson on a 17 1/2 foot pontoon. From what i can tell the throttle wide open RPM is supposed to be between 4500 and 5500. the prop that is on it is a 13 x 11 and current throttle wide open RPM is 4000. top speed with one person is about 15 mph. is this the correct prop or can i change it to get better speed?
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: right prop?

The first thing to check is that the tach is set properly. Look at the back of it for a small dial with numbers like 5P, 6P. That dial should be set to 6P. Gently turn that dial back and forth a time or two and then set it to 6P. Sometimes the internal contacts get a bit of corrosion and turning the dial cleans them up. A 13x11P prop is about right for that pontoon. If the tach is accurate, then I suggest your engine is not making full power so make sure it's running up to par before spending money on props. If the engine is performing at full potential, then you would need to drop pitch by 6 inches to pick up 1200 rpm which is not a practical swap so something else is wrong. That engine is lugging at 4500 rpm so it should be closer to 5500. It is either the tach or the engine. A simple check at the engine is to make sure the throttle is opening fully. At full throttle the butterflies in the carburetor throat should be perfectly parallel with the throat.
 

mtntoon

Recruit
Joined
Mar 22, 2011
Messages
3
Re: right prop?

thanks a ton. i will check the tach and make sure the throttle is opening the carb all the way. and get back with ya
 

1980Coronado

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
699
Re: right prop?

You can re-prop to get more rpm, but your speed may not increase much with the pontoon.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: right prop?

You can re-prop to get more rpm, but your speed may not increase much with the pontoon.

You cannot reprop to gain rpm in this case. He needs to gain a minimum of 1000 rpm and ideally 1500. That would mean roughly 6 to 7 inches of pitch change. He already has an 11P. Not a reasonable suggestion. 11P is very appropriate for a properly operating engine of this specific breed on a pontoon.
 
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