Prop pitch for my 35hp merc. outboard on 71 starcraft jetstream 15ft?

[arcticxf7sp]

Hello everyone I'm new here.
Anyone have some advice about this? I'm buying a new prop to replace the one that came with the motor when my gramps bought it.That one is a Michigan Wheel 15 pitch on a 1986 ish merc 35hp outboard.The boat is a 1971 Starcraft jetstream 15ft.As of right now that 15 pitch,and now bent/chipped up prop is boggy and slow to get to speed which has only been 25mph on gps on flat conditions.Any waves with 2 people and some fishing gear it just bogs with slow acceleration from 5-17mph +/- depending on the waves,and won't or is very slow to plane out.Also is loud with a lot of vibration I'm thinking the 15 might be too much pitch,and a 12-13 pitch might work much better,and I know I need to get a tach also.I also just took the lounge seats out and put in 2 folding seats with pedestal that's another 50 lbs out of the boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop pitch for my 35hp merc. outboard on 71 starcraft jetstream 15ft?

I think an 11" pitch is a good starting point Should vastly improve hole shot might be a little light but thats better than lugging the motor
and you can control the rpm if necessary.The 84-85 35 is rated at 5400-6000.

 

[arcticxf7sp]

Re: Prop pitch for my 35hp merc. outboard on 71 starcraft jetstream 15ft?

thanks!!! I just ordered a 13 pitch so Ill try that out,and get a tach for it soon.I still have a gps to see how the new one does for mph and see how it performs.My 15 pitch got bent before I started using the boat last year anyways so I couldn't have tested that one accurately.I do think it was too much pitch.I'm hoping ill get at least 25 top speed out of the new prop,and if it does better than that like 30mph plus performs like it should,and actually have the power to plane the boat ill be real happy.