prop question (for pulling cranks)

[bfish]

Got a new to me boat. 16.5 ft v-hull with a 25 hp Honda tiller. It also has a happy troller but is currently not on it. Boat currently has a 12 pitch 3-blade prop on it. I like to have a spare on the boat, so I am shopping for a new prop, and turn the old prop into the spare.

So here is my question, should I be looking for a 4-blade or stick with the 3-blade. Also should I be messing with the pitch any?

["G"]

If its running withinn the reccommended RPM range for the motor and performing good....I would stick with the same size and pitch prop.

[willsjwills]

What "G" says.

[ATM]

Considering your title (pulling cranks). If your thinking of changing pitch to slow it down; at idle speeds I don't think it would make any difference.

["G"]

Your going to have to use that Happy Troller if your going to pull cranks with your out board.....because you need to run around 1.5 to 1.8 mph.....and you will need that plate to run that slow even at idle. I used one for a couple of years untill I got my Terrova....now I pull with the Terrova.

[SeaRay]

Man, I like that boat, I'd be tempted to put stick steer in and a TM on front and run everything from the front seat. If you can swing it in the future, the Terrova is one fine piece of equipment. It pretty much runs the boat while you fish.
Really like the layout and hull design. Nice rig. Bet with that 25 Honda it sips gas too.

[Rees Guide]

My cousin has the same motor on a 16ft skiff and we use 2 buckets to control speed, as said ealier, doubt prop pitch will make any difference. It is amazing how little gas those things burn. Nice rig, congrats and good luck!!

[Cray]

If your running a aluminum now I would get a stainless for durability. I would ask that dealer if they might have a couple of different sizes in used you could try for performance but that 12 sounds about right for that combo. By the way nice looking set up there.

[Stump]

3 blade ought to be fine.

Find out what speed it runs at idle. If the boat is heavy enough you may not need a plate. I've ran a 14ft Jon with a 25hp Yamaha that would idle around 2mph in calm water, little less into the wind. Just a thought, looks like a heavy boat.

[DonDon]

bad thing about a trolling plate is turning. Sometimes it won;t turn as well as you want it to. Not bad unless your dodging trotlines. An alternative is to get you a couple drift socks, say in 36 inch size. Their not expensive and will slow your boat down just enough. I keep 2 in my boat form when the TM batteries run down. Works just fine and I can still turn like I want or HAVE to