2 people = pitch reduction?

[will941s]

My 14.5' BayRayder fiberglass side console, v-hull will run between 32-35mph with a 98' 25hp mercury, 2-stoke and just me and my gear in the boat. Thats running with a 3 blade quicksilver aluminum prop @13p. Acceleration is good, top end is good (have to feather throttle in curves), and it hits right at my max rpm's. So in theory this prop is right for just me and the weight of the boat and gear. Problem comes in when I have someone else with me. It will top out at about 28 mph, but the rpm's are lower and it takes a little bit to get to speed. Would it be safe to assume that I should pick up about a 11p prop, and run that with someone else? I understand I may lack some top end, but I should gain my rpm's back as well as get up to plane quicker right?

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: 2 people = pitch reduction?

Changing props for different situations can be done but is a PIA Propping for your most common configuration (1 person vs 2 people etc) Running vs water sports. is prolly the way to go.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 2 people = pitch reduction?

Do you know what your rpm is now at max speed?

 

[will941s]

Re: 2 people = pitch reduction?

5,800-5,850 rpm's (6,000 max) @ max speed with myself, gear and 13p prop. That takes off fast, planes fast, reaches top speed and rpm's fast. With 2 people it's sluggish on the take off, takes a little bit of water to plane, but when it hits top speed I only lose about 3 or 4 MPH, rpm's hit about 5,500-5,600 according to how heavy the person is.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 2 people = pitch reduction?

It sure sounds like you're setup about right.with excellent speed with a light load. How heavy is the boat?
As far as weight carrying it has two dissadvantages its relatively heavy and has limited planing surface, add to that a 25 hp.you have a limited load window.
We had a 18 ft bare bones al utility with an old Gale 25 it planed easily with 6 adults 100 lbs to 180 lbs We could slalom ski with a 2 ski start and that 100 lb adult spotting.
Do you have your passenger move forward for hole shot?
A 12" 4 blade prop should help your hole shot and stay on plane better but may cost a couple of mph.

 

[will941s]

Re: 2 people = pitch reduction?

I'm not sure of the actual weight, but I would estimate about 500 pounds for the boat. Got 1 battery in the back with the gas tank, and one battery in the bow storage compartment to even out weight. When I have someone else on the boat they sit on the livewell which is about midway down the side of the boat. It helps alot, but I would just like to get on plane faster with two people. As far as myself, I could'nt ask for better performance. I do have a 4 blade adjustable pitch prop (10-13p) and the motor seems not to like that thing.....at any setting. Right now it's set at 10p and still takes forever to get on plane, then again that was with a hydrofoil I had on my old lower unit. Since I got a new lower unit I never put them back on and the performance seems better......so maybe I can run the prop now, just havent tried it.