Prop advice... need more stern lift... Add hydrofoil?

[pjbrownva]

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

This is from an old post

"It's a Suzuki 3 blade stainless 14 x 20. It has vent holes at the base of each blade. It's the original prop that the dealer fitted when he installed the motor. I run fairly heavy, with lots of rods, gear, anchors, coolers, and always 30 -55 gallons of gas. The hard top adds some weight too. At WOT, light, with motor trimmed up perfectly, she will get to 6000rpm and ~38mph. But I rarely do that. When I'm in a hurry I'll run at 5600 rmp, just shy of WOT.


Do a search on the Tag "DF140" for more info.

zukes have a 2.5:1 gear ratio. They need a big prop. I suspect you have the 17" prop trimmed in too deep to keep it from overrevving. 17 is too small.

You should be able to run fine with no tabs and definitely without a fin.

And the manufacturers have a range for WOT for a reason. Don't stress about getting to the max of the range. Get the boat to perform well out of the hole and cruising.
Testing should be done without tabs and fins and crap.

Thanks for all of the info, @SkunkBoat. I've taken a break to hibernate for part of the winter. :-)

I plan to get back on the water in March, and continue this tuning. I think you're right about needing more pitch and raising the motor height. I *think* I have a 19 pitch Solas 3 blade SS that I ordered and tried for a short while.... so it's basically new. I guess I'll go back to that, raise the motor and report back.

'Til then, wish me sweet dreams! (hehe!) Hibernating is fun!