Prop for 20HP Merc on 16' Starcraft Camp (SS?)

[tomlargy]

I fish a large reservoir in Mass. (Quabbin) which has horsepower limits, therefore my 20HP. I wish I had a little more power when I'm in swift currents and rips on saltwater tidal rivers. Also, I tend to fish on the flats & shallows. The other day in R.I. I ran into the bottom twice (at very slow speeds and in the evening as the tide receded)and as usual got more dings in my aluminum prop (my 3rd in six years). What about stainless for durability? <br /><br />What about for power? When I got the boat I found I couldn't plane it with just me in it, although it did fine with somebody in the bow. A planing plate on the motor fixed that problem, although I believe that my top speed has been reduced. <br />Thanks, Tom

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Prop for 20HP Merc on 16' Starcraft Camp (SS?)

tomlargy<br /><br />Since you are running the flats alot and dinging up the aluminum ones, I would hesitate to go to stainless. Reason being is, possible damage to the lower unit may occur if the prop is subjected to continuous hits and stainless does not "Give" like aluminum does. Others may have more input on this, but that's the way I see it. Props are cheaper than lower units...

 

[tomlargy]

Re: Prop for 20HP Merc on 16' Starcraft Camp (SS?)

Well, I answered my own question. I got a Solas Saturn stainless steel prop, same pitch as my old aluminum one. The results were: With two in the boat an increase in speed from about 18-19 mph to 22 mph. I seem to get up on plane more quickly. My propeller steering torque problem went away. My Humminbird fishfinder lost the bottom at higher speeds, despite adjusting the transponder height and such. Now it keeps the bottom at 22mph (in calm water anyway), so the boat must have less turbulence. I doubt I'll be able to keep out of sandbars, mussel beds and such with this prop, but I'll try not to hit any rocks at higher speeds (per Rick's advice). Tom