What would be the best prop for top end speed?

chesney1603

Seaman
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Mar 6, 2012
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I have a Johnson 150GT on an 18' bass boat. I'm looking for the max speed I can get out of it. My RMP at WOT is 5000. Current speed at WOT is 57mph (GPS). The prop on the boat is 14 1/2 x 24.
 

Sea Rider

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Those numbers are achieved lightly loaded and you alone or with other boaters or family ? Which is the max wot rpm factory stated for that engine ? Around 5500 ?

Happy Boating
 

chesney1603

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Mar 6, 2012
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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Those numbers are lightly loaded with equipment with myself and my buddy. Both of us weighing aroung 200lbs. The engine numbers I believe are somewhere around 5500
 

Sea Rider

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

If you're positively sure 5500 are max rpm numbers for that engine, going one pitch less, engine should rev at least 200-300 + rpm if that happens to be the standard gained rpm. Some states 200-300 rpm per pitch, others more.

Happy Boating
 

steelespike

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

delete
 
Last edited:

steelespike

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

My info indicates 4500-5500 rpm range, 1.86 gear ratio calculates to excellent 6% slip at 57mph.
Assuming a 200 rpm change it appears a 1" up or down same model prop still nets about 57. up likely nets slower hole shot
down nets better hole shot.Of course there are props that may net improvements with or without a pitch change.
 

chesney1603

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

so if I went to a 22 would I gain hole shot and speed, and is it safe for the motor to go to a 22?
 

SkiDad

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

i thinking you wont gain top speed with 22 - i think it will be about the same or maybe 1-2 mph slower. That's assuming you stay with same style prop. 57 is nothing to be sad about with a 150
 

Bob_VT

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Try remounting to outboard one notch higher and see if that does not give you 1-3 mph more...... be careful you don't mount it to high or you could lose water pressure and burn up the impeller and motor.

That raising should up your rpms a bit.
 

steelespike

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Bob has good thought there at 57 mph a little increase in height could net some rpm with a little more speed.
Is the present prop Stainless? Do you know the brand or model?
Lowering pitch 2" should net some rpm, maybe 400.Improved hole shot but speed would probably be a wash.
None of these numbers are carved in stone.
 

Bob_VT

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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Yep, and my test method is cheaper then changing parts too ;)
 

chesney1603

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Mar 6, 2012
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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

Thanks for all your input guys. I'm just going to stay with the 14 1/2 x 24. Need a new one due to log vs. blade.
What I am going to do is raise the jack plate a 1/4 inch and see what that gives me.

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chesney1603

Seaman
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Mar 6, 2012
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Re: What would be the best prop for top end speed?

As seen in the pic on my last post, yes it's stainless. It's a Raker.
 
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