Lightweight 14' Duracraft.
1970 Evinrude 6hp.
2 blade, 8 x 7/14 prop (maybe 8 x 7; i'll verify after work).
I don't know the wide-open throttle RPM.
Last year, top speed with me and fishing gear was 12-13 mph, but I replaced my 6 gal tank with a 3 gal, moved the gas tank towards the bow, went with a smaller ice chest, and moved my trolling motor battery back just a hair.
Now, the boat will almost plane with just me and fishing gear (it feels like if I just take off my shoes and throw them to the front, the boat will level out). I go from zero to my "almost planing" top speed in no time flat. So, it seems like its got plenty of thrust, just not quite enough top end for the thrust to do anything with.
If I switch to a 3 blade prop, with the same diameter, and a little less pitch, should I be able to get the necessary thrust without giving up too much speed?
I'm concerned that by changing props to get a little more thrust I may lose enough speed that the "need to plane" dilemma is moot. I often fish a 27k acre lake, so I don't want to give up too much speed.
There are too many variables for me to wade through alone (i.e. should I reduce pitch but add a blade; increase pitch with two blades so that top speed overcomes thrust deficit; etc.). What do you prop wizards suggest?
1970 Evinrude 6hp.
2 blade, 8 x 7/14 prop (maybe 8 x 7; i'll verify after work).
I don't know the wide-open throttle RPM.
Last year, top speed with me and fishing gear was 12-13 mph, but I replaced my 6 gal tank with a 3 gal, moved the gas tank towards the bow, went with a smaller ice chest, and moved my trolling motor battery back just a hair.
Now, the boat will almost plane with just me and fishing gear (it feels like if I just take off my shoes and throw them to the front, the boat will level out). I go from zero to my "almost planing" top speed in no time flat. So, it seems like its got plenty of thrust, just not quite enough top end for the thrust to do anything with.
If I switch to a 3 blade prop, with the same diameter, and a little less pitch, should I be able to get the necessary thrust without giving up too much speed?
I'm concerned that by changing props to get a little more thrust I may lose enough speed that the "need to plane" dilemma is moot. I often fish a 27k acre lake, so I don't want to give up too much speed.
There are too many variables for me to wade through alone (i.e. should I reduce pitch but add a blade; increase pitch with two blades so that top speed overcomes thrust deficit; etc.). What do you prop wizards suggest?