Prop opinions

[nazbom]

Last year this forum was very helpful in helping me sort out an issue I was having with my hydraulic jack plate. It tured out that the hydraulic pump motor was fried but the posts I recieved helped me sort out all sorts of issues I was having. That brings me to this year. After running all last season and learning the boat I am looking to purchase a new prop. There are several reasons for this; to have a decent back up on board (the one I will replace), to improve on performance generally, and the old one has some dings on it I don't feel comfortable with running full time (very minor and I know they can be repaired but want a back up of similar prop). Funds are an issue so I am looking for the most information I can to make an informed decision. Which brings me to the question of prop manufacturers, what are your opinions on Power Tech props? In my searches I keep seeing them and am trying to read about their company.

My boat is a Ranger 361V, 17'10" long, 2500# weight fiberglass hull. the Motor is a 2000 Yamaha VMax HPDI 150, 2.00:1 gear ratio with about 8" of set back and a (dated) Land and Sea Hydraulic Jack plate. The current prop is a 4 blade 23P prop of unknown manufacture, it is cupped and made of stainless steel, the dia and pitch are stamped on the prop but no manufacturer info. However it performs well, great hole shots, good acceleration, excellent grip but the top RPM is 5000 +/- I feel that this is a little low but the recommended WOT range is 4500-5500 according to Yamaha. I just want to make sure the prop is keeping the motor in it's most efficient range at all phases of motor RPM.

Thanks in advance and if I left something out just let me know....

[David]

Buy or borrow a few props. Despite the accumulation in my basement, you can buy a prop, try it, and then sell, without losing much. Don't tell my wife that, she would want some sold.

if I were spending your $, I would try a Trophy or a Tempest, used. New I would call Hydromotive.

[LaveyT]

There is probably someone running your exact combination on BBC. I would ask on there forum.
http://www.bbcboards.net/props/

[nazbom]

Thanks, I'll try BBC and see what's up. I'll also check out those props mentioned. What's your opinion on the best place to look for used props? The usual haunts, ebay, boards, craigslist, etc? There are a few prop shops down south of me a ways I could check out too.

[David]

Todd at Hydromotive has sold a lot of bass boat props, including Rangers. He could tune something specifically for your rig. I visited his shop yesterday and learned a lot.

Used, I've bought from here, Fastboats Canada, and Ebay.

[steve@scp]

i would bethcya your 4 blade is a yamaha/turbo 2+2
they are okay props for acceleration and handling, but for better topend, the 23M2 is the prop of choice for that boat!!

[LaveyT]

i would bethcya your 4 blade is a yamaha/turbo 2+2
they are okay props for acceleration and handling, but for better topend, the 23M2 is the prop of choice for that boat!!

+1 Steve knows his chit

[1FASTLASER]

i would bethcya your 4 blade is a yamaha/turbo 2+2
they are okay props for acceleration and handling, but for better topend, the 23M2 is the prop of choice for that boat!!
+2. That prop like Steve says will perform very well

[Allyda]

I know my Hydromotive Intimidator 15 x 27p. "CR" (it's the semi cleaver one) is my best fishing prop straight out of the box. And my boat is fickled about props especially thru hubs. Tropy's also run great on Rangers. I'd start with a 22-23 pitch and go from there for your setup.:thumbsup:

[propguy]

If you can find someone that will let you try a 23 tempest plus would be a good bet. You might have remove the pvc vents one at a time to get the hole shot your looking for.

[Allyda]

If you can find someone that will let you try a 23 tempest plus would be a good bet. You might have remove the pvc vents one at a time to get the hole shot your looking for.I agree with PropGuy too, the Tempest plus works well on Rangers also and they carry the bow very well.:cheers: