200 HP Worth It?

[mayorjones]

I have a 2008 Sun Tracker 21' Party Barge with a 60 hp Bigfoot. The motor runs consistently in the 5200-5800 RPM range WOT, depending on how many we have in the boat. If it's just me, it'll get to 6k, but that only happens about once a year for 2 mins while I'm running to the dock to pick somebody up.

I've been thinking of ordering another prop, just to have a back-up. I've questioned on here enough to feel that if I bump the pitch up one notch I'll add 200 HP, which would get me closer to the 6k I believe my motor is rated for for optimum performance.

Just wondering if 200 rpm's is noticeable, or should I just stick with what I've got since I know it works?

Thanks. as always, for your response(s).

Dwight

 

[The Rooster]

Re: 200 HP Worth It?

Hey Dwight, I believe you mean to say, if you drop down in pitch, you'll look to gain additional RPM's. I think on traditional V-type bottom boats, the general consenses is for every 1" drop in pitch, you'll gain 200-300 rpm. But, I got to say, it's been my experience that the difference on Pontoon boats can be much more. You seem to be running right in the sweet spot of your power band. Maybe if you find yourself with a fairly large crew the majority of the times you launch, and running 5200-5400 rpm, you might consider a smaller pitch prop. If not, I'd leave well enough alone. IMHO. Good luck.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 200 HP Worth It?

Don't fix something that ain't broke. Your WOT RPM's are correct.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 200 HP Worth It?

Always good to have a spare prop but no, you won't notice 200 rpm, maybe another tenth of a mph, I'm with Eglide, youir engine is set up just right as it is.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: 200 HP Worth It?

Hi Dwight. As we have the same boat and motor, I can give you a definitive answer. Presently I am running my back up 14x9 while my 14x11 is being rebuilt. The revs can easily go over 6200 where the high rev alarm sounds. I have tried a 14x13 and couldn't get the revs into the sweet zone unless it was only me on board. Even then I was just making it. No appreciable difference in speed. Stick with the 14x11. The only possibility would be a 4 blade. I'm not qualified to give an opinion on this one.