Looking for some help with prop size for my Triton 17 with a Mercury 115 Optimax. I'm currently running an aluminum 19 pitch, no jack plate. This prop is OK with two people and a full load I can hit 48gps 5600rpm. Hole shot is great with one person, slower with two, and down right takes for ever with three.

I'm new to boating so this is what I have noticed about my current set up. When I put the boat in gear it doesn't move a bit until you bring thr rpm up. My friends boat will move at idle and you can even steer a bit with only a 50hp 4stroke. I can't steer under 1000rpm I'm guesting here. Just think a good prop would help with this. Top speed is not what I'm looking for,as most of the time I'm 3800rpm cruse speed. A good hole shot and low speed steering would be awesome.

Looks like lots of people like the Laser II 21 pitch for boats with this setup. I have never ran this boat full throttle with just me in it. I not clue what my rpm would be at top speed with a light load. It's looking like that may happen this year because I can't the wife on the water as much anymore.

Any help would appreciated.

Call Steve's props in Quitman..... He'll fix it.....a 21 pitch laser with Steve's tuning and adding some cup will do great for you. A 6" jack plate will help with all facets of boat handling too ...he has those as well.

Would love a jack plate. My garage is short and I only 3" to spare. I'm thinking a jack plate would make my boat to long to fit into the garage. I don't want to do storage unless I have to. Thanks for the help I'll hit Steve up.

the Laser II's are good props, but need to be worked.

power tech makes a prop that's as close to plug and play.

since your only turning a 19p alum. prop to 5600
you won't be able to turn a 21p sst.

that opti needs to be at 5700 to 5800

engine should be in the 2nd from bottom hole and a good 19p sst prop from power tech
will be what you want.

you are correct that most run a 21p with that motor.. however.. one variable is you
may weigh more i.e. tackle,persons,gear,etc.

I'm not a speed demon so she may turn faster than that. I'll have to try to run the boat with just myself one day. Other than just waiting for the wife to get the truck.

I see your words as golden. I was thinking the same thing about the pitch being were it needs to be.

She's mounted in the 4th hole from the bottom. That's an inch and half to low. Would that change the pitch requirement? Is it OK for the mounting flange to be higher than the top of the transom?

Do you work Saturdays? I always wanted to fish Fork.
Thanks Steve!