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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?
Attachment 111295
If its running withinn the reccommended RPM range for the motor and performing good....I would stick with the same size and pitch prop.
What "G" says.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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
So what is the easist way to determine RPM range, tiny tach or....?Quote:
Originally Posted by "G"
It is riveted so it is only 563 lbs so says the specs.[Quote:
Originally Posted by Stump
Never used one. Trolling plate was in the boat, holes on the motor are already in place so it has my wheels turning. I have seen several say the same about the trolling plate. Sort of why I was thinking a 4-blade prop would give me more low speed turning ability. Luckily I seldom see trotlines where I troll but the ability to turn is still appreciated.Quote:
Originally Posted by DonDon
Plans are to keep it a tiller for the time being. I like the open area and taller sides to keep the young ones corralled in front of me. If I didn't plan to bring the kids with me, the stick steer would be a great way to troll.
Bet the buckets will slow it down enuff and not fool with that plate.
That size outboard may idle slow enough with out using anything. Take a GPS and see what your speed is.....If you can stay in the 1.5 to 1.8 mph range.....your good to go.
My prefered trolling range is about 0.25 mph faster. Don't know if it is because I am using something other than Bandits (to get a tad deeper) or if it is need to compensate cause I like 12 lb test or because I am using planer boards... but that is what works for me.
PS done the bucket thing on another boat (and hanging mushroom anchors off too); I would rather not do that again. Driftsock would work, but does it not get in the way of the trolling spread, I know the bucket and anchors required caution.
Got out in some calm water yesterday, with the GPS unit. Runs 1.6 with no problems without the trolling plate. Also tested out the 55 lb thrust trolling motor, runs 1.8 mph on the 4 setting and 0.7 on the 2 setting, so it looks like I am good for spider-rigging too. Look for a happy troll plate on the classifieds soon.
Even managed to drag this little guy up while testing:
http://imageshack.us/a/img856/9361/2...9134711566.jpg
Glad it worked out for ya.
Glad you're not going to have to use the plate, buckets or socks.
Drift sock might get in the way but they are fairly easy to move or adjust. Would depend onwhere rods are placed.