Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi,
Much of that will depend on what kind of data you have right now on the performance of the boat. Knowing the RPM GPS speed are huge factors in determining if your rig running in the right range. For example...if you have low rpms at full throttle, the boat will not pop up on plane well. If too high of RPM's, then you run the risk of blowing the powerhead.
Also, considerations in how the boat handles in the water come in to play as well. Things such as aluminum or stainless props not only affect the speed and RPMs of the motor, they also affect handling characteristics. Usually, a good aftermarket steel prop will allow you to raise the motor off of the transom a few bolt holes, and allow you to trim the boat better for optimum handling and speed. Definitely a fun area to work with, but it can be time consuming.
For a start, if you'd be willing to supply your current RPM's, speed, prop (brand, model and size) along with where the motor is mounted in relation to the transom (bolt number #1 is the lowest position and flat on the transom top, #4 is the 4th hole up on the motor off of the transom...and is generally the highest position the motor can be mounted) Then, if you can best describe how the boat handles for hard cornering (does the prop break loose or not), in rough seas, etc.
All of this information will be helpful to guide your decisions on what props to try.
In general, motors over 90hp or so benefit from a steel prop, which will aide in handling, speed, and efficiency. Drawback, though...rocks are not very nice to steel props and lower units, but....if you are traveling at anything above cruise even with aluminum, rocks are not very nice to those either... If you hit one with steel, you might as well hit it hard...
Steve |
