Prop Help for new 4 stroke

KropE7

Recruit
Joined
Apr 11, 2006
Messages
1
Just got a new Lowe model 175 Aluminum hull. Length is 17' 5".. Weight of Hull is 1110. Capacity weight is 1010. Width is 85" Transom Height is 20" Powered by 2006 25 horse 4 stroke EFI. Model F25ELPT. Maximum RPM 6000. Prop is 9.75 diameter X 9.5 pitch (48-896892A40). Prop has 10 splines and is aluminum. I know this is a lot of boat for the small motor and I don't expect to set the water on fire. I'm just trying to get the best performance possible and the dealer has been very little help. Problem is that the boat comes on plane very slowly and actually does'nt ever come fully on plane. At 3/4 plane (nose is still up) boat will run about 12 mph. I could care less how fast it goes but am determined to get it to plane better. Dealer says no SS prop exists yet to replace this prop and can only suggest a hydrofoil. Before I start drilling holes in my new motor, I would appreciate any input as to the most effective hydrofoil and opinions on whether this will help. I have heard good things about the Stingray but the horsepower spread starts at 25 hp and goes to 140 hp. Would this be too big or should I try the Stingray Jr. for smaller motors. Would a 4 blade be the answer? Are there any suggestions for prop changes that might help? Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!
 

MajBach

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Messages
564
Re: Prop Help for new 4 stroke

Wow. I am really surprised that you have such samll motor on this boat. When I replaced mt 14' tin can boat that had an 18hp OMC (effectively, this was only about 13hp)to a 17' D/C, I figured 40 hp should cut it. I ended up putting a 90 on it an I'm gald I did! There has been the odd situation with 5 people that I could barely plane it. <br />Anyway, you stated that wasn't a concern for you. I replied because on both my boats, I ran a hydrofoil and it made a tremendous difference. On the small boat -which never had trouble planing - the stingray ( guess it must have been for a 25hp motor since you say thats the smallest), it planed this boat immediately and improved top end drastically. I run my new boat with the 90hp witha Dol-Phin. It's two piece instead of one but it kinda looks like a better design than the stingray. It has little effect on top end - depends on my loading and prop, but planing in amazingly improved, especially with heavy loads and a coarse prop. I would strongly suggest you invest in a foil.
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Prop Help for new 4 stroke

I think in your situation, you will need all the help you can get to plane out that boat. I would suggest you look into trim tabs to help you out instead of the fin. Check out the smart Tabs. People swear by them...<br /><br /><br /> Smart Tabs
 
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