another prop question

[picksbigwagon]

okay, I just got my boat out of storage, a 1989 crestliner fishhawk tiller with a 40 hp evinrude on the back with a trim and tilt. I also have a 9.9 hp evinrude kicker motor as well. Now, I found the original owners manual for the motor in the boat and it said that I need a 11 3/4 by 17 prop, I currently have a 13x11 prop on there from the previous (maybe more than one) owner. my max speed with this boat, with just me and my stuff including the 9.9 on the back and 2 batteries up front for the trolling motor is at best 25-26 mph (GPS speed). Will going with the recommended prop give me more speed? I am asking in general here, I fully realize there are other factors....

For the life of I can't understand why the previous owner would have put 2 props that are 13x11 on that boat when the book says 11 3/4 x 17. the spare prop came with the boat...

thanks for the help

[dkf]

13x11P prop would be for very heavy loads. An 11 3/4x17P prop is too much prop for you 40hp with the boat you have. You could try a 13P prop that should give you a little extra speed without loading the motor too much.

[Valv]

Tom,

you might gain a little more speed with a higher pitch but you will loose in holeshot and hauling.

The difference in speed will be approx 2-3 mph, not much.

I have a Tracker with a 40hp Mercury and have same max speed.