Prop Advice Please

[USAJOHNSON]

Any input is appreciated.

I have a 1980 28' Pantera V-bottom with twin yamaha 225s, 18'" of set back (6" cmc manual jacks + 12" static brackets) and 22" michigan wheels (I think they are a through hub chopper type prop) non counter rotating. Boat weighs 5480 empty and 6320 with a full tank, 120 gallons. It runs in the low 60s.

It seems to me like the boat likes to run flat. I think I can loosen it up a little. I started out with only 6" of backset then added the other brackets and didn't seem to notice any improvement. I called Joe at Pantera and he indicated that the water should break at about the back seat under the boat. Right now it breaks about 2 to 3 feet forword of that.

I want to add set back and probably reprop. What possible props would you guys recomend for a boat like this. Does a big ear carry the bow better than a small ear ?

Great site, Thanks in advance. :) :)

[USAJOHNSON]

To sum it up what would be a good props for this boat.

[Rickracer]

Back to the top.... :cool:

[USAJOHNSON]

Does that mean you think my current props are good.

[Rickracer]

TTT gets it back to the top so someone that does know may see it. I would suggest that you try rebalancing the boat. Move as much weight as possible towards the rear, maybe take out anything that isn't needed. Once you get that done, and get the attitude you're looking for, you may need a higher pitch. It's possible you may need more setback to get what you're looking for, possibly 24" to 29". I would think a big ear would carry a load better, or possibly even some four blades. Since you're not counter rotating, it shouldn't be too hard to find some other props to try out. Never turn down a chance to try another prop(s). :cool:

[Fish]

usajohnson,
I am not that familiar with your boat, but it sounds like you are looking for a bow lifting prop. I would try one of these and maybe move some weight around before adding additional setback. The most "poplular" bow lifting prop (for a heavy offshore type boat) seems to be the mirage plus. I personally moved from the MP to a Turbo on my center console and like the bite better than the MP. You might check with some of th SOB guys to see wht they run, or do a search on SOB and see what they run.

JUst curious, has you boat ever sunk? The reason I ask is that it sounds like you might have a weight problem (in your boat) if the water is breaking 3 feet forward of where it should be with all the setback you have. Sometimes, when boats go under, if they have foam in them, the foam gets wet and traps water in the hull. THat can add hundreds of lbs in some boats. Again, I am not familiar with your boat so it is just a guess.

If you have a lot of gear forward, you might try repositioning it towards the rear. 0nce you staet getting the bow up, the boat will be faster, and ride better. Also, do you always run with a full tank, and where is the tan located? 120 gallons is a little over 800lbs of moving weight.

finally, www.mercurymarine.com has a prop selector on their web page. Input the stuff specific yto your boat (you will have to wing it with the yamahas, ) but weight, type, goal...etc. They will recommend props for your application. I am 99% sure merc and yamaha props are interchangeable, but I beleive yamahams do not turn up the same rpms.

[USAJOHNSON]

I may know a guy with a set of mirages on his boat I could try. Is there a differance between the mirage and the mirage plus. The fuel tank runs the length of the cockpit and fuel load makes a little difference but not much. I dont believe I am carrying extra water weight but I have probably had some water penetration in the transom. I checked it with a non-penetrating moisture meter that we use for flood restoration and it seemed to be above normal in a few small areas, kind of hard to tell reading thruogh fiberglass and in tight corners though. I was thinking along the same lines as Rickracer on the big ear choppers . Do you think these are worth persueing. Its kind of hard to nail it down with so many variables. Thanks again for the help I really appreciate it. BTW what is SOB.

[Fish]

I may know a guy with a set of mirages on his boat I could try. Is there a differance between the mirage and the mirage plus. The fuel tank runs the length of the cockpit and fuel load makes a little difference but not much. I dont believe I am carrying extra water weight but I have probably had some water penetration in the transom. I checked it with a non-penetrating moisture meter that we use for flood restoration and it seemed to be above normal in a few small areas, kind of hard to tell reading thruogh fiberglass and in tight corners though. I was thinking along the same lines as Rickracer on the big ear choppers . Do you think these are worth persueing. Its kind of hard to nail it down with so many variables. Thanks again for the help I really appreciate it. BTW what is SOB.

There is a difference between the mirage and mirage plus. the plus has more bow lift, less slip, less blow out, and better bite. Did you try the prop selector on the mercury site? Not that I am necessarily recomm3ndingt using the props they suggest (only suggest merc props), but it will give you a good ball park, and the few times I ahve followed their advice, the rpms, speed..etc were pretty right on. I think merc and yamaha props are interchangeable. RPM's may vary though.

I don't really have an opinion on the big ear chopper (never tried it) other than to tell you rick (rick racer)has never steered me wrong, and knows an awful lot about about boats.

Good luck,

fish

[Merc-Cruiser]

If you find you have the need...I have a pair of brand-new, in the box, 14 1/4" X 26" pitch, polished, Michigan Wheel propellers, both right-hand rotation props(like you have) for $300.00 plus shipping, for BOTH propellers. They fit Yamaha or Mercury. This is an excellent price, if you or a friend needs them. You can E-mail me at [email protected] Thanks, M/C