Wanted to give an update on my new prop performance, especially to the posters that have considered following my same path. It has been a real learning experience on how weight sensitive our boats are with marginal powered outboards. Lake conditions are also a big factor. Things that did not matter much when I had a 40 hp.
If you recall, on my original thread, I was getting 18-19 mph gps speed with three people (total weight 400 lbs), three gallons of gas and a starting battery.
Last weekend with my trolling battery installed, 6 gal gas tank topped off, and all fishing gear, all of which added approx 100 lbs, I was getting 15-16 mph up at Presque Isle. I think the trolling battery in the bow was the main culprit since my bow seemed lower while on plane.
This week at Pymy, with 10-12 gal in my livewell (another 90 lb),I was doing approx 13 mph when motoring into the wind on a choppy lake. Boat could not achieve plane.
It seems with this boat/motor combination there is a very small "sweet spot" that allows the boat to plane easily. In hindsight, this was evident during my earlier testing when I saw the dramatic difference between the 8" and 9" three blade props.
Whats next? I am going to concentrate on weight reduction or distribution. Don't use livewell? Use a three gal gas tank? Tell my 120 lb wife she needs to lose weight
(I'll wait till after Mother's day)?
Now for the really bad news! Friday night on pymy my boat ran into one of the infamous shallow sandbars and I trashed the new prop. I ordered another.
Jerry