Will prop change help on 50hp Mercury

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cray

Figure 200 rpm per inch of pitch so the 13 should put you right at top but then as you increase load those are going to drop. 13 over all should be best for hole shot and may even gain another 1-2 mph. Like DHC said, ideal solution is if you can try a couple of different props.

---

I still wonder if going up the other two holes and getting his cav plate level would allow him to turn a 14 plenty well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by need2befishin

Moved motor up 2 holes and got to try it this morning. Gained almost 2mph (1.7) RPM was 6150/6200. Seemed to bite good at takeoff and had no issues turning sharply under power. What would you guys suggest for a new prop? Go to 13p and keep same diameter? 14p??

Thanks guys

---

A suggestion is try piranha props, they are composite props with replaceable blades. They will work with you to get the performance you want and changing blades is free to get the setup you want. Just an idea

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

A suggestion is try piranha props, they are composite props with replaceable blades. They will work with you to get the performance you want and changing blades is free to get the setup you want. Just an idea

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

---

I’m not saying they don’t work, I’ve never tried them or even heard of them until you just mentioned them, but that sounds like a nightmare if you get into an underwater obstruction of any kind with the prop spinning. Plus, wouldn’t they have a lot of flex/slip?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DHC

I’m not saying they don’t work, I’ve never tried them or even heard of them until you just mentioned them, but that sounds like a nightmare if you get into an underwater obstruction of any kind with the prop spinning. Plus, wouldn’t they have a lot of flex/slip?

---

Surprisingly not, they have the performance and durability of stainless but not the cost. I ran them on my ski/wakeboard boats when the kids were growing up. That has been the first thing I change when getting a boat since I found out about them. Never had one slip on the hub. It easier and cheaper to replace 1 blade when /if you ever mess up

Sent from my SM-G900V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

I would go up one more hole and see what happens before buying any props. My guess is 14P will be what you end up with, Like I said you want that motor running 5800rpm standard so when you have a light load you are touching 5900-6000 and heavy weight you are still above 5500. They like to be at the top end of the WOT range but you don't want to be running over 6K, and it's a bit of a pain to have to watch the rpm every time you take off and trim up. I run two props on my 90 4s, a 19 and a 17. 19 for light loads, 17 for heavy loads (family trips and my catfish setup that adds a lot of extra weight). I get lazy a lot and just leave the 17 on it then have to watch RPM or she will jump to 6400 before you can blink when I touch that trim button. It's a bit of a pain.

I had a 17'5" Alumacraft Pro 175 with the 2 stroke merc 50. Loaded with everything, 2 people and water in livewell it would run 32-35. Different style boat, but I had a 3 blade stainless from Powertech Props. I ran just under 6000 during summer and just over 6000 in spring with cool air. 1 person, no water in livewell and cold temps it would push 40, based off of spedo on boat.

Well, went out this morning dodging thunderstorms for a test run with a 13p. Left the motor in the same position and almost hit 36mph at 5850rpm. (35.7 to be exact) Holeshot is a little slower but very pleased with top-end speed and handling. If I find someone with a 14p i will give that a whirl but for right now I'm really happy with the result.

CDC never disappoints...Thanks to everyone that offered me knowledge, wisdom and advice.