Change Prop on my 2001 Merc 15 HP bigfoot to get more speed?

[jeff925]

i just bought a 14' Fisher SC Aluminum boat. It has a 2001 mercury 15HP 4stroke big foot outboard. I drive it from a side console and have most of the weight in the front of the boat. It barely planes and tops out at about 9-11 MPH depending on load and water condition.

I know the big foot is not the ideal motor for this boat but its what i have and i can't afford to get get a new motor. I believe it has the stock prop. it also has the planing fins on the motor.

would swapping the prop out help with speed? i don't know much about props. what would be a good prop to switch to? any other things I can do to help speed upa bit. top speed of 15-17 MPH would be nice.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[steelespike]

Re: Change Prop on my 2001 Merc 15 HP bigfoot to get more speed?

It is difficult to make a decision on a prop change withoput the prop size (usually on the barrel of the prop) and the present rpm and actual speed.
Without the specs a prop change is a crap shoot that could result in the premature failure of the motor.The boat should plane easily with any 15 and probably run at 20 or more mph.Are you sure it is running on all cylinders?
Is the throttle opening all the way? You could get a tiny tach they are reasonable and easy to install and can be used on any motor if similar design without regard to stator poles.Perhaps borrow a GPS for accurate speed.

 

[jeff925]

Re: Change Prop on my 2001 Merc 15 HP bigfoot to get more speed?

thanks, i will look at the prop pitch tonight.

i think it is running on all cyly7nder, it starts right up and runs idles very smooth

 

[Bondo]

Re: Change Prop on my 2001 Merc 15 HP bigfoot to get more speed?

and have most of the weight in the front of the boat. it also has the planing fins on the motor. It barely planes

Ayuh,....

Get rid of the Big Fin,+ move some weight Aft....

It sounds like your Plowing with it.....