Prop pitch question

[WallyGator12000]

I just bought a 1996 9.9 four stroke mercury for my 14' lund. Problem is, with the extra weight of the four stroke, plus me (I weigh 225) the boat will not plane. I had this problem with the old motor (1985 9.9 evinrude 2 stroke) and it was fixed with a new prop with a 9" pitch.

However when I took the prop off of my new merc, after doing a search of the part number 48-828152-7 I realized I now have a 7" pitch for the prop. The 7" prop is in pretty good shape, not new, but no major dings or anything like that.

It is my understanding that a lower pitch will increase your ability to plane. Any ideas? With a new prop, can I drop below a 7" pitch, or am I just out of luck and always need to find a boat partner for the front?

Thanks for the help!

[marine_man]

Yes, a 7 Pitch Prop would improve your ability to plane over a 9 pitch prop.

I would try putting some weight in the front of the boat, and see if that helps. You're probably right on the edge of enough hp for that boat & the load carried that you might have to try weighing the front down to get on plane.

marine_man

[hydro]

Another thing to try, if you haven't already, is to tilt the motor in toward the transom one notch at a time to see it the trim angle is the culprit.