Is there a better prop overall for this rig

[captainQ]

2006 Tracker Pro Team 17' bass boat. 50 hp merc, factory 12x22 prop.

1200 lbs boat and motor

with one guy 170 lb empty boat 32 mph at 5400 rpm's

with 2 guys 340lbs, plus 100 lbs in normal gear 29 to 30 mph at 5400 rpm's

Boat has a great hole shot now, could give up a little here for better top end and better handling, seems like it's hard to turn this boat in a 180 at top end, takes a few hundred yards and I get cavitation if I really try to lean it into the corners.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated, Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

I'm pretty sure the 12/22 is an expression of your gear ratio.1.83.
Prop is probably a 13 or 14" you'll find the numbers near the base of the blades or under the prop nut.Sometimes you need to trim in for corners especially a hard turn.
Is the Merc a 2 or 4 stroke??Is the prop in excellent shape?

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

you are correct, I'll get the prop size. it's a 2 stroke

 

[mommicked]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

captainQ,I looked at an image of the 06 tracker 17 and it looked like the hull was flat bottom accross the stern,is yours the same?I have a 1860 G3 jonboat w a shallow v 5 degrees I think at the stern and I had high speed turning issues as you describe.My boat became unstable if turned to tight going too fast and would cavitate turning in any chop.I replaced my Yamaha factory 3 blade alum. prop w a Solas 4 blade alum.prop and It has made a huge difference in stability and tracking in turns.It also seems to get the boat on plane faster and lift my heavy stern(4 stroke,gas,batteries in the back) more than the 3 blade.I say its like going from a stationwagon to a sports car.I dont feel any cavitation or slipping either in rough water going straight ahead either as before.No expert here, not sure it will perf.the same w a flat bottom at the stern.also my old prop had a straight edge from the narrow tips of the blades to the hub on the back of the blades,kinda triangle shaped. the solas blades are rounded like a hound dogs ear.

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

Basic Bass boat aluminum slow taper vs a v-hull boat and I was thinking of a 4 blade. I'll post current prop asap

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

I'm pretty sure the 12/22 is an expression of your gear ratio.1.83.
Prop is probably a 13 or 14" you'll find the numbers near the base of the blades or under the prop nut.Sometimes you need to trim in for corners especially a hard turn.
Is the Merc a 2 or 4 stroke??Is the prop in excellent shape?

OK Finally got the prop off and it's a 10.38 x 14. 2 stroke and the prop is in perfect new condition.

Hoping for a better a handling rig and would love to get more top end with it. I know I'm asking alot but hey it doesn't hurt to ask right ?

Thanks in advance

 

[mommicked]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

My previous advice may be wrong and im not an expert. My boat is similar,weight,length,but I have 40 more hp, the max for my boat. Its often said that a 4 blade will lower top end speed a few mph compared to a 3; but help w hole shot. I do have much better steering and tighter turning than before.

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

ttt

 

[steelespike]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

Check your setup the antivetplate(just above the prop shouldbe even with or slightly above the bottom.With your venting issues your prop may have little or no cup.Does the boat respond to
up trim?
If you add cup it would resist venting you would probably have to go to a 13 or 12" pitch to
keep the rpm up.A 4 blade generally will improve hole shot,stay on plane with less throttle,handle better at speed and at the dock and resist venting.Usually suggested to drop1" to retain rpm.Will likely lose some top end.

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

Check your setup the antivetplate(just above the prop shouldbe even with or slightly above the bottom.With your venting issues your prop may have little or no cup.Does the boat respond to
up trim?
If you add cup it would resist venting you would probably have to go to a 13 or 12" pitch to
keep the rpm up.A 4 blade generally will improve hole shot,stay on plane with less throttle,handle better at speed and at the dock and resist venting.Usually suggested to drop1" to retain rpm.Will likely lose some top end.

Yes it responds to trim, and very little is needed, trim up a tad, hole shot, trim dowm and she goes.

Basically want more top end and fix the cavitation and lack of grip in turns. She might slip alittle right after planing but other than that I think it hooks up pretty well.

Thanks

 

[captainQ]

Re: Is there a better prop overall for this rig

Yes it responds to trim, and very little is needed, trim up a tad, hole shot, trim dowm and she goes.

Basically want more top end and fix the cavitation and lack of grip in turns. She might slip alittle right after planing but other than that I think it hooks up pretty well.

Thanks

What would you do if you just wanted more top end out of it ?