prop choice

[MBurke]

Hello, I have a 2004 Alumacraft Magnum 165 with a brand new 50 Evinrude Etec. The motor came with a 15 pitch prop, I went out for the first time yesterday and checked things out. I am running 5000 to 5500 rpm when going full blast, with two people and 1/2 tank gas, and getting 26 to 30mph. My motor guy (which I trust) told me that he wouldnt go to a 17 pitch prop, said it would drop the rpms to low. I have a friend telling me that he would go with the 17 without a dought. I am wondering what someones here expert opinion would be. If you need more info just ask. 15 or 17 pitch prop ??

Thanks

Mike

[PerchJerker]

What is max rpms on your motor and how is your holeshot? What would be be hoping to gain by changing props?

Going to a 17 might make you slightly faster, like 1 mph, but you will lose a couple hundred rpms and will also have worse hole shot.

The 17 pitch would also make the boat troll faster at idle, lots of times guys will put lower pitch props on to decrease their trolling speed but this would be a higher pitch prop.

[upnorth]

You want your rpm to max out if possible with the prop. Adding a couple inche of pitch will more than likely drop your rpm out of the optimum range, which it seems you are in now. You want a little more speed go to a stainless steel prop you will gain 1 or 2 mph just because of steel not losing pitch to flex like aluminum on high rpm.

[MBurke]

I was hopeing to pick up some speed...I was hoping to get at least 35mph with a 50hp, maybe Im asking to much. It is a heavy boat thought, but rides real nice. Maybe Ill be looking at a SS prop.

Thanks

Mike

[Phred52]

MBurke, Give Jay Soderbloom a shout. I think he's still a sponsor here. He'll get you where you wanna go. I've ordered 2 different motor props from him and he told me exactly what I needed. I think he sponsors the Duluth area forum. Phred52

[Northlander]

Jay is no longer a sponsor but if you e-mail me Ill get ya his #. Great guy and he knows his stuff.

[PerchJerker]

If you're running 26 - 30 now I do not think you're going to get to 35 ---- not too mention that 35 sounds a little unreasonable for that type of boat with a 50 HP motor. The boat you have is pretty wide if I'm not mistaken, that will really dampen your top speed too.

A stainless steel prop would probably help a little but my opinion (and experience) is that you need a much higher HP motor (like at least a 115) to start to get much benefit from stainless. You'll get some benefit with smaller motors, but maybe not enough to justify the price????

You could/should do some prop testing, but I would definatley try before I buy. Also, is your motor high mounted enough on your boat - most boats could benefit by having the motor raised up on them - better holeshot and better top end.

Good luck with your boat.

[Whoaru99]

I also think that 35MPH with a 50HP on that boat would be a real stretch, expecially with other people and gear on board.

My Sylvan Pro Select 16 does 40 give or take a little depending on load and water conditions with a 90HP engine running at 5400-5500RPM with a 19P prop.

If you were going to use the boat by yourself MOST of the time, maybe you could get on OK with a 17P, but if you are more often going to be with extra people and gear, or pull a tube, etc. then I personally would not go to the 17P prop.

[MBurke]

Thanks everyone for their input,I realy appreciate it. This is the first v bottom that I have ever owned,Have ridden in plenty though. Northlander I emailed you.

Thanks again,

Mike