Do I need a new prop?

[corndawg75]

I have a 2004 procraft 185p with a 150 Mercury EFI. This is a single console 18 foot bass boat. It has a 23p ss Laser II 3 blade prop. With 2 men and dual livewells filled with water in the rear the boat has a hard time getting on plane. Also there are 3 batteries at the rear of the boat. According to the onboard tachometer I can get about 3200 rpm WOT when trying to get on plane. After it gets on plane it will increase to around 5300. Would a different prop help this boat plane out?

 

[usskydvr]

Re: Do I need a new prop?

From your data you could easily drop down to a 21 pitch.

 

[corndawg75]

Re: Do I need a new prop?

Also it seems like this motor uses a lot of fuel. Would a different prop have an effect on the fuel?

 

[usskydvr]

Re: Do I need a new prop?

Some, but probably not as much as you may expect.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Do I need a new prop?

Sure will. Go to a 21 or 20"