Quad82
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- May 22, 2010
- Messages
- 47
I have been trying to get my homework right befor buying a new prop. Lots od reading here for sure!
I have a 2001 16' Fisher with a 1978 Merc 115XLPT. The boat is very close to it's 600 pound cargo rating with just me, added downriggers, kicker motor, trolling motor, 25-30 gallons of gas, fishing gear ect... It now has a SS 3-blade 17P prop (48 72764A4 17P) turning at 4800 RPMs (5000 playing with the trim) WOT. The motor is rated for 5000 to 5500 RPMs. I belive the lower unit is a 2:1. Top speed with the GPS is 35MPH. Holeshot is great, plains out very quickly. But drops off plain at about 22 MPH. Most of the time the livewells are empty. I can level the boat out a little more by filling the livewell. But it also adds more weight. The reason I want to switch back to aluminum is I fish a lot of shallow water with stumps and logs. My SS prop does have a few scars. But nothing bad enough for repairs.
So, I am looking to get a 15P prop to gain back a few RPMs. I would like to try a 4-blade aluminum to see if it helps with trolling and after loosing some of my gear weight, pulling the kids on a tube once and awhile. Any input on a prop decision would be helpful. Thanks
I have a 2001 16' Fisher with a 1978 Merc 115XLPT. The boat is very close to it's 600 pound cargo rating with just me, added downriggers, kicker motor, trolling motor, 25-30 gallons of gas, fishing gear ect... It now has a SS 3-blade 17P prop (48 72764A4 17P) turning at 4800 RPMs (5000 playing with the trim) WOT. The motor is rated for 5000 to 5500 RPMs. I belive the lower unit is a 2:1. Top speed with the GPS is 35MPH. Holeshot is great, plains out very quickly. But drops off plain at about 22 MPH. Most of the time the livewells are empty. I can level the boat out a little more by filling the livewell. But it also adds more weight. The reason I want to switch back to aluminum is I fish a lot of shallow water with stumps and logs. My SS prop does have a few scars. But nothing bad enough for repairs.
So, I am looking to get a 15P prop to gain back a few RPMs. I would like to try a 4-blade aluminum to see if it helps with trolling and after loosing some of my gear weight, pulling the kids on a tube once and awhile. Any input on a prop decision would be helpful. Thanks
