Which Prop None at all with new motor

[Dunk50]

When posting a question about propellers, you cannot get a reasonable answer unless you provide the following information in your post: Items 1-4 are essential for meaningful response to most questions.
1) Performance issue you are trying to correct. (good all around prop)
2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless and as a minimum. (NONE)
3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required). (NONE)
4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful) (MFG recommended 5500 to 6000)
5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP (2006 Merc. 60hp 4stroke)
6) Boat make model, year, length and weight 2008 Tracker Grizzly 1754 awl tiller not console. hull weight 430#.

Bought the boat new and am in the process of setting it up. Bought the motor new and they do not come with props. it's winter here so can't just try some. I am looking for a prop to start with. I will be fishing rivers and low lakes so nothing fancy. just need a starting point!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Which Prop None at all with new motor

At the time of your purchase the dealer would have been the best source of info as they must have outfit dozens of these boats. We know what the "recommended" wide open throttle rpm is but that does us no good since you have nothing to weigh that against. I assume this is a standard (not a Big Foot) gearcase with 1.83:1 gears. If thats the case, then a starting point would be 10-1/2 x 13P. Note the small diameter. A 1.83 gearcase runs a smaller diameter prop than a BigFoot. If you do have a BigFoot then the lower unit gears are 2.33:1 and 13-1/4 x 16 or 17P would be a starting point. Once the engine is broken in you need to make some wide open throttle runs with what you consider will be an average load. Note the WOT rpm and speed. If the engine cannot reach 6000 RPM you need less pitch. If it exceeds 6000 RPM you can use more pitch. Make sure you experiment with trim, load and engine mounting height before spending lots of money on props.

 

[FishnMike]

Re: Which Prop None at all with new motor

Silvertip is giving good advice for the info we have. I have the same motor on a heavier boat. My boat came with a 10 3/8 by 14P and it was too much prop. I just put a 12P on there and its a bit on shallow side and I can over rev the motor if I am running light. A 13 or 14 pitch prop would be a good place to start.

FishnMike

 

[Dunk50]

Re: Which Prop None at all with new motor

Thanks for the replies. For silvertip, the dealers were in the same boat I am. When I bought boat I didn't know what motor I would buy as I got them from two different places. I think I will be keeping in kinda light so I will be starting with a 14P but i will also have to wait till after break in. Incidentally, I will be looking for the proper procedure in breaking this unit in. And I should note it is not the bigfoot, also I'm not looking for speed just a decent handling boat that i am not running to low or to high and rpm. I did buy a tach so I think with your recommendations I will go with the 14 and then up or down from there. Thanks to both of you.