Yet another prop question!

[LubeDude]

I have an 18" (glass) Bass Tracker 1800 SF with a Merc 150. Im sure some have seen my post on the Smart Tabs. The engine is now running strong at 6,300 RPMs at WOT, Im now running a High 5 23P, Im thinking that I need to go to a three blade now that I have so much lift, what pitch do you think I need with a three blade SS. Im thinking 27P, I have a 27P four blade I could try, but not sure what that would tell me for a three blade. What are the differences in RPM between a three, four, and five Blade of the same pitch?

 

[red10]

Re: Yet another prop question!

lubedude, i think you need to go down 2" of pitch for each added blade, i'm not real sure. P.S. i like all your oil debates, i run amsoil.

 

[Bazooks]

Re: Yet another prop question!

LUBEDUDE> I know this is off your topic but could I get an opinion on the 2-cycle oils of yamaha. How are they? I purchased some thinking they would be the best for my new Yamaha outboard.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

You can never go wrong using the manufactures oil. However there are usually better oils out there. You know they do not make there own oils, and they have to be another oil with there name on it made to there specs. I always recommend a synthetic and of course I like and use Amsoil, my second choice would be the Pennzoil line. I understand that Cam 2 is making a TC-W3 synthetic that is suppose to be good also, but I have no idea where you would find it.

 

[Bazooks]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Thanks LubeDude!

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Lube,<br /><br />If you put a 25P 3 or 4 blade on that baby, I'll bet you'll be in great shape...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

The prop that was on it when I got it (a High5 23P) had a max RPM of 6,300. The prop I tried this afternoon is a four blade Turbo 14.25 27P, and brought the RPMs down to 5,400. The boat speedometer dosnt work very well, and seems to not go any farther than 57 no matter how much faster you go, I didnt have my freinds GPS with me , but the boat it runnung at least 60+, and what a beautiful roostertail, water preasure was good at WOT. Engine really liked the prop, it sounded really good. Slightly labored and strong, really strong.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Yet another prop question!

A Turbo that has good bite. Imagine that!<br /><br />Glad to hear Lube! Have you tried the Turbo another hole up? It might bite even after you start to lose water pressure. Keep an eye on that. Go for it!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Yet another prop question!

LubeDude;<br /><br />Based on your other report on Smart Tabs - "Without With<br /><br /> 58 MPH @ 6,200 59 MPH @ 6,300<br /><br /> Slow plane <br /> <br /> 25+MPH 15 MPH (minimum on plane Speed)<br /><br /> Time to plane<br /> 5 sec. 2-3 sec."<br /><br />You have cut the time to plane in half, reduced the minimum on plane spee by 60% and increased both speed and RPMs.<br /><br />Now you had the liberty to change props to a increased pitch with fewer blades(because you are not so dependent in the prop for low end performance and hole shot and boat attitude).<br /><br />The results are even more top speed and lower RPMs, which equals better performance and economy. Nice Combo!<br /><br />This assumes that the low end performance and hole shot is still good?<br /><br />How is the acceleration and hole shot with the prop change?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

This is the prop off the Lavey Craft, and it isnt mine, and Im still not sure what prop to get, There are a lot of props on Ebay right now, several merc props in the 14.25 X 26P, the hole shot is acceptable, but slower that the other prop which is to be somewhat expected. I wish I could try a 14.25 27P 3 blade, but there are no marinas here that stock any props like that. I wouldnt mind trading a little higher RPM, maybe 300 or so for a better hole shot. What is a good prop with good bite? I did have to trim down just a bump to get this one to hook up at WOT.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Ran with GPS today, Me alone, 5,500 RPM @ 65+ MPH, YEEE, HAAAA!!

 

[BillP]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Why go to 3 blades? If you check what the pro outboard racers have been using for years it is 4 & 5 blade cleavers. Mercury Marine's "racing props" are only 4 & 5 blade. More blades, smaller diameter and more pitch is happening for speed...even on bass and flats boats.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Just as a test to see the difference. Im sure I will end up with a 4-5 blade.

 

[DJ]

Re: Yet another prop question!

LubeDude,<br /><br />5500 with a light load seems a bit overpropped to me.<br /><br />Add another person, gear, etc and you're going to be lugging that engine.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Yet another prop question!

4 Blades if ya need the hole-shot, Hydromotive TX-3, 3-blade if ya want the speed.<br />The reason for more blades is balance, control and the ability to "keep" the larger blades (in the case of the TX series) for better bite at high speed, 4-Blade only-in other words, don't buy cheap, wanna-be props, and you're not going to get an "off the self" 5-Blade that will give you speed without being a custom wheel in return for many pictures of presidents.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

DJ:<br /><br />I went fishing with a freind last evening, and he weighs just about what I do, 225-230#s So we had 455#s and our gear, a full tank of fuel, and the boat still got on plain easily, (no rocket) but acceptable and ran the same #s. You should see the rooster tail at WOT, Ive seen rooster tails before, but this is unbeleivable and it is still showing good water preasure. I wish I could get a picture of it to show off. Maybe I can get my freind to take one for me.<br />This engine is suppose to run 5,000-5,500 WOT.<br /><br />Hey Walleyehed, where ya been??

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Yet another prop question!

LubeDude, I moved to Texas.....I'm home with the wife for a few days getting everything ready to move next month.....including MY computor...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Yet another prop question!

Sold my old High five 23P on Ebay yesterday for $300.00, and purchsed another High Five 25P today for $250.00, It was a good buy, so Im going to try it, we will see. I liked the bite the other one had, and it held well in the turns with a great hole shot. I probably will keep it even if it is a little high on the top end, I do not run WOT much anyway. I love Ebay!!