Prop pitch???

So i was doing a little reading about the pitch on a prop because ive been having some problems with my boat. I have a Nitro 750 NX DC, its 17.5 feet long with a 125hp merc. I noticed this weekend it doesnt plane out the way it should when i lay the hammer down. When the live well amd gas tank is full...it feels like its bogged down real bad and to get it to plane out, my passenger has to sit on the bow of the boat. Now i looked, and i am running a 26 pitch on a ss 3 blade prop. If i went down to a 24 or even a 22 would that help? What about adding a whale tail?? I know lowering the pitch will lower my top speed...but i am willing to make that sacrafice if need be.

Thanks in advance!!

I would think on a 125hp you would need to be running about a 21 or at best a 23. Sure would think that a 26 was way too much prop for a 125hp. My boat is a Skeeter 18'5" with a 150hp and I am running a 23 pitch ss 3 blade. I know several guys that have 200hp motors that run 25-27 pitch props. What kind of rpm's are you getting at top end? I'm not an expert though, just talking from experience.

26 pitch is way to much.I would say Dux is right with the 21-23 pitch range.Need to figure out your max RPM range on the engine and play with props till you are just below it at wide open throttle with the boat loaded at normal load.

I have heard from another person on here that each pitch is worth 200 rpm. Most motors, from what I have read, need to turn between 4500 and 5500 rpm wide open throttle. I don't know where your rpm's are, but it sounds like you are not too far off in terms of getting it on plane so I would think a couple inches would be plenty. What diameter prop are you running? You can get a steeper pitch with a smaller diameter or a smaller pitch with larget diameter. I think it is rocket science somewhat! lol

I am running at about 5000 RPMs wide open. It just feels so bogged down whenever ots coming out of the hole. Not to mention the added stress that motor is getting. It not too sure about the diameter though. I will have to check it when i get a chance...i wonder what the average diameter for a boat that size...might have to do some

Anyone know a good local place to get a prop?

I just run a 25 pitch Mazco 4 blade on my 175 Merc and it is on a 18 1/2 ft Champion and it runs about 5600 rpm's at wide open throttle. I also think the 21 to 23 would be better suited for you. Would get you out of the hole better and get you more rpm's at wide open throttle which may even get you more top end speed. You can run closer to 5600 rpm's with that motor. I would call or stop in at Pro Choice or Angler's Port in Warsaw. They will be able to help you in selecting the right prop and may even have a used one and may even take yours in on trade. Mercury has a website that you can enter the info for your boat and what prop you have now and what the rpm's are at wide open throttle and it will give you the proper prop in the differant brand names they have. You may google Mercury props and see if you can find it. I would rather have a great hole shot with a loaded boat and give up a few MPH on top speed. But I do not ever run much over 10-12 miles in most tournaments but move around 15-20 times a day from spot to spot. So I like the good hole shot.

I run a 23 on my 18'6" Nitro with a 150. U should def lower the pitch. I think around a 23 would make a world of difference for ya

Yep go to a lower pitch for sure, trust me you don't want a whale tail........you might get by with a 24 but I think 22-23 is going to be more what you want.... EX- Royal Prop Repair & Service Owner..........retired....

Thanks for all the info guys and Jared i will have to try and find that website...sounds like it could be helpful. Now im anxious to get one and see if it really does make a difference because that hole shot is just killin me...

Would also consider calling Tracker's Marine's customer service dept to ask them. Actually surprised you are getting 5000 on top end with a 26. Warm air and water temps will make sluggish performance more evident. You are definitely too tall on that pitch prop, like putting a standard shift vehicle in high gear and taking off from a dead stop.

That motor should be turning 4750-5250 RPMs at WOT (wide open throttle). A 4 bladed prop will give you a better hole shot.

You would be better off with a 22-23. 26 is way to much for that set up. It will improve your hole shot for sure.

I know this is an old post but I have the exact same boat/ motor with the exact same problem. What did you end up getting for a prop & how did it work for you? My Nitro came from the factory with the Laser SS 26p that's on it now.

If this problem just started I would check the plug in the prop, I know it sounds silly but it sure made a difference on my buddies triton

It's never been terrific outta the hole since it was new but tolarable. I was alot lighter than & usually just my young son and sometimes by wife on smooth water. Now I'm finally fishing alot more, 3 large guys, full fuel tank, cooler full of adult beverages and it takes forever to get out of the water and I usually drain the well first. Throw in rough seas and your really screwed.

call power tech props, answer thier questions. They hook you up. You will need oknow what Mercury recommends for Max Wide Open Throttle rpm.

I have a 13-1/2 x 23p stainless steel up for sale if you’re interested
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