planing problems

[ddsakin]

1983 Mercury 150, '83 ranger. recently spun the prop, so thought I would just replace prop, always had trouble getting boat up on a good plane, it takes forever, anything I can do to the prop to help that out. The current prop is original, don't know the specs on it.

 

[B.M.W II]

Re: planing problems

The only thing that I can think of is to drill vent holes in the prop if it does not have them. But this is not some thing you should do your self. You would need to take it to a good prop shop to have this done. To big of a vent hole and it would cavitate. Not good. If you are going to buy a new prop most of them are made with the vent holes in them. I have a 84 merc 150 on a 83 Winner bass boat. I took my SS prop to the local prop shop and had the holes drilled in it for 15.00. It helped a little with my hole shot.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: planing problems

You may be hasty blaming the prop. Start by making sure the engine is making the horsepower it should. If its in a poor state of tune all the props in the world won't make it perform like it should. Then check engine height. If props and set-up don't solve the problem, you should look into Smart Tabs. The most inexpensive and effective planing improver on the planet. Available right here on iBoats. Visit Nauticus web site and review the material there.

 

[budsbud66]

Re: planing problems

What is your WOT RPM's ??? Stainless will help you get on plane faster. So will the vent holes. so will the smart tabs. And in some cases hydrofoils help. but perhaps you have too much pitch.