How do you know how far to raise the motor?

I tried my prop calculator with your combo and it said it wouldnt go that speed. I might be doing something wrong with the calculator or dont know what prop slip you have. Is this speed on your GPS or boat speedo? I cant figure out how you are getting that MPH out of a 17p prop.
http://www.rbbi.com/folders/prop/propcalc.htm

Doesn't take long for confusion to reign...

First, boat speedometers are just wrong, there's really no way to judge speed by pushing water through a tube to a rubber diaphram.

Second, it's always amazed me, a guy will drop thousands of clams on a rig, another couple grrs on tackle, and then try to save sixty bucks on a prop. Your prop is at least 90% of a boats performance, if it's right, everything else is right, if it's wrong, nothing else is right.

I've yet to see any of those bargain props like michigan wheels, solice, etc match the performance of a well designed and manufactured wheel.

It is by the speedo on the boat. Next time I'm out, I'll try to remember to check it by my GPS. I keep meaning to do that, but I keep forgetting. . .

But at the same time, that was when the boat was pretty much empty with 3 people. Now I've got it loaded for fishing, so I'm sure it will be a bit less.

However, I was on the lake last week with me, my wife, my 9 yo daughter, my 7 yo daughter, my buddy and his wife and his 9 yo daughter and 7 yo daughter. We had a cooler full of drinks/goodies, extra towels, shoes, an tube and Lord knows what else. For a brief moment, I opened it up and it topped out at 40 mph.

Just to show how naive I am about prop stuff, I don't have a clue what my gear ratio is or how to find out what it is. And, I've never heard of prop slip, what is that?????

My motor is a 2000 model Johnson 130, and the guy I bought it from said the engine was a looper (sp) which I've never heard of. He explained it like the cylinders are looped from one to the next instead of crossing over. Don't have a clue if I've explained it right, maybe a boat tech can explain it better.

Anywho, he told me he would run this 130 up against any 150 on the same boat any day.

Pat, not so much confusion, but ignorance. I totally agree with you on the boat speedometer, never seen one completely accurate either.

Also, couldn't agree more about props. But, at the same time, I don't have the knowledge to know what's better than the other. I'll look at my prop next time I hook up the boat and see what kind it is. I just don't remember offhand.

I'm not recommending any of the props in the link I posted, and that's why I asked if Steve (or you) could recommend any of them, if at all.

I do know that 130 on my boat runs like a scalded ape. The boat is rated for a 200 hp outboard, and if it'll run 45 mph with a 130, I'm not sure I want a 200 on it!!

LOL, a 130 against a 150 .. NOPE.. sorry, but i'd take his money on that one.

Those omc's are loop charged engine.


i agree with pat. solas,michigan,some turbo's, etc. are [censored].
that's why i sell the powertech, OMC,and mercury sst props.

prop slip is determined off of gps speed. not speedo speed. Most guys with high performance boats worry about slip. it's not really a big deal on smaller engines.
your engine is most likely a 2.00:1 gear ratio.

bottom line is, if it excellerates okay, and the rpms are within the horsepower range set by the mfg. of the engine, then go fishing, and have a good time with your family. that's what it's all about anyway.

steve.

I hear ya Steve, I kind of took his comment with a grain of salt. But like you said, it runs great, jumps out of the hole and I gots no complaints with it.

SET THE HOOK... oh darn, it got off. your little smily guy missed the lake fork record bass...lol

have a good one, dude.

Snake and I were just talking last night before we posted this thread...
How important is it to us to gain a few mph anyway? His is a tournament bass rig and mine is just a CC fishing boat. If I needed to get a few more mph out of mine we were thinking "at least lat's get it running in the recommended rpm range first." Then we discussed jack plates, different props etc. You can spend a ton of money on various upgrades and actually take steps backwards, so thats not in the plans. We actually just need a nice solid stainless prop, because I tear up aluminum props like junk mail.

I guess aluminum props have their purpose, but like you, every one I or my dad has ever had on a boat has been destroyed.

Looks like Steve or Pat will steer you in the right direction!

Exactly. I started the thread but it's his boat. We decided to check here for suggestions after talking about it. If you're gonna upgrade to stainless might as well ask around right? This forum is a great resource for setup questions.

No, we're not racing, but also know (as mentioned) a good prop improves the overall performance and handling of the boat. We're just looking for the best fit before spending the coins on stainless and prefer something to bolt right on.

So, we're looking for a used Powertech 19P for a 130 Johnson, I think.

Good luck finding the exact right fit. That PT we recommend isn't going to be found at the swap meet, mostly because when you see a used prop for sale it's because someone hates it.

Every mid range CC I put that RXB blade on is still running it with very happy and satisfied results. You will be impressed with the improvement in holeshot, handling, and load carrying.

(I'm not sponsored or trying to sell anything for anyone, I will call a spade a shovel if it's due).

Thanks Pat and Steve for the input. I've got a bunch of respect for what your guys recommend. Hence the post to begin with.

I'm a big believer in Powertech. I love mine. They're pricey but I guess you get what you pay for.

Hopefully we'll find one used for sale from somebody who didn't do their homework.

Snake Boy,
I was just told to get a TRO4 24P, but wanted to find out if you still like it. I'm currently using a Raker II 14.5x26. What did you gain by the TRO4 and why did you have to get it drilled?

Edit:
2007 Ranger Z20
Evinrude 225

Thanks

on that z20 i'd look at power techs new RKR4
the Fury is also a very good choice for that boat.

what gear case do you have on it?