speed?

[bigbass69df]

I have a 17' Terry bass boat with a 125 Force on it. Motor seems to run good but can only get about 30 mph out of it. I'm using a 17 pitch prop but when i gor to a steeper prop I loose all hole shot. With the 17 my hole shot is about 5 seconds. Any ideas to gain some more speed? Thanks

 

[ob]

Re: speed?

What is your rpms atWOT with 17"Prop?

 

[bigbass69df]

Re: speed?

Rpm's at Wot are about 5400, I also have it mounted on a 6" manual jack plate. Thanks

 

[ob]

Re: speed?

5400 is good for that motor .Is current prop sst or aluminum? sst prop while expensive will improve overall performance.Boat condition ,weight ,and several other factors weigh heavily on top end speed with any given motor.

 

[bigbass69df]

Re: speed?

I am using stainless steel already, alluminum dings too easy. Boat is in good condition and weighs about 1200 pounds i would guess. Is there a way to figure what it should do for top end speed?

 

[Spidybot]

Re: speed?

Here is a bunch of links with prop stuff etc.<br /><br /> One or more of these links should help.

 

[bigron]

Re: speed?

you should be able to get more top end speed. i got a 1971 16ft terry bass with a 1987 50hp merc that has a 13 pitch prop and i get 30-33 mph out of her.sorry no tach so i cant give you rpm's

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: speed?

Your motor angle could be a factor. Power Trim? Have you tried different angles on the mounting bracket? Just you in the boat, or a ton of buddies, beer, and baits?<br /><br />And just in case... did you unhook the trailer?

 

[Navigator]

Re: speed?

The higher pitched prop you said you tried, how was top end WOT RPM's? There is always the option of drilling the sides of that prop behind the leading edge of each blade. What this does is allow the exhaust to escape out the sides of the prop during accelleration. The exhaust allows the prop to slip momentarily when you punch it allowing the engine RPm to climb considerably before it "digs in". Once a certain rpm is reached, physics kicks in and the vent holes no longer allow exhaust to escape. What you end up with it "good" hole shot "and" a good top end.<br /><br />If you have that old prop laying around you might want to search this forum. There have been several lengthy discussions on this exact procedure.<br /><br />Nav