2016 Tracker Pro 190 Tx with 115hp Merc Four Stroke - Wrong prop?

[jthorpe]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I recently upgraded boats from a tracker 175 to a 2016 Pro 190 Tx.  The boat sports a Mercury 4 stroke 115hp motor with the 2:07 gears.  I thought the stock prop for this boat would have been a 19 or 21 pitch Black Maxx but when I looked I noticed it had a 23 pitch prop attached.  It almost seems like they put one on there from a 150 hp motor. 

we are running the full 650 lbs when on the boat.  The only way to get about 5000 rpm's to to trim the motor way up.  If in normal trim we are looking at about 4700 rpm at 41mph.  Trim up and WOT 6000 rpm will bring it to 45mph if loaded and 49 mph if nearly empty.  While performance isn't bad, I feel like I'm running WOT too low when I have proper trim on the motor. 

I was thinking of a 21 pitch spitfire X7 to get more grip and a better hole shot.  Just wondering everyones thoughts here....  If you need more info please let me know..

[fishandkamp]

Where are you located. I am in Maryland and have several props t try if you are located nearby. I have a used but in good condition Black Max 21 that is excess to my needs.  If you decide to try another prop I suggest a Turning Point Hustler.  It is a bit of a more performance aluminum with vent holes and aggressive ears.  I had a 19 pitch that I added some cup to but stock it had a great hole shot and made the boat come out of the hole and pop level immediate.  I really like their props.  I added the cup to lower my top rpm I was up against the rev limiter and they do not come in a 20 inch model.My boat is a Lowe stinger 170 with a Merc 2 stroke 75 hp on it.  If you are any where nearby  we could meet in Del, MD.PA,  or VA. I tend to fish all of them at some time. In addition to the 19 I also have a 17 Hustler.  The best part is West Marine carries them and they cost less than $200 with the correct hub kit.  It sounds like you are running too low on RPM but I do not have experience with the four strokes.  Check the serial number tag on the engine for wot rating.

[Bud Kennedy]

jthorpe.  Before you get into a game of prop roulette.  I would suggest that you check your motor height.  I don't know what the optimum setting for your model of boat is but you need to make sure the motor is set at the correct level.  If your motor is too deep or too shallow you will have problems that a prop won't correct the problems you might be happening.

Once you get the measurements confirmed usually expressed in the form of a prop to pad measurement than you have a basis to begin thinking about props.  I know on my old ranger I recently had to change the motor height (I have a manual jackplate) to a setting that is 3 -1/2" below pad.  Prior to the re set I was too deep at around 7".  It made all the performance difference in the world.

Take your time and check out everything up to and including weight distribution of the stuff on your boat.

[jthorpe]

Hey guys thank you for all the good information.  So after some research I tested a X7 21 pitch 4 blade cupped prop.  My RPM went down some and my top is now 5200 vs 6000 it's in the WOT range so good to go there. Bites much better.  Planes better. Top speed with me alone is 51 GPS and with full load about 45-47 GPS with motor up as far as trim limiter will allow.  To me that's too high so I trim it back down a bit. The sound tells all. I'd like to be closer to 6000 rpm with WOT which means I probably need to go to a 19 pitch X7 4 blade... This stuff is getting complicated.  I may just run the stock prop.  I'm having a hard time deciding what I like best in terms of the two props.

However. Since I changed the prop, trimming down doesn't always work at speed. Not cool when you bounce to a stop.  Once it stops I can trim back down. Makes zero sense.  So I put the stock prop back on. Still having trim down issues.  Intermittent but getting worse.  I can't imagine that a prop change would cause this but it has me slightly worried.  Sooooooo my 1 month old boat is in the shop for trim problems with the stock prop on it. Bass pro will take it on the lake Monday.  Ugh

[fishandkamp]

Sorry for your issues, it might be a blessing in disguise, if a gremlin exist then lets get it worked out now instead of right after the warranty period  ends!

[jthorpe]

Sorry for your issues, it might be a blessing in disguise, if a gremlin exist then lets get it worked out now instead of right after the warranty period  ends!

Eh it's okay.  I would rather have them now as well.  Work out the bugs before the warranty ends.  The trim problem didn't start until I changed props.  Makes me wonder if the new prop messed it up but then again I have NEVER heard of a prop, even if going from 3 to 4 blade, messing up trim on a motor.  I'm guessing coincidence and I can't imagine that having an effect unless someone here might know otherwise.

[gatorglenn]

Best setup, motor mounted in the 3rd hole down from top. 20p Laser ll prop with cup added, of a 19p X7 repitched to 19-1/2 or 20p.

[Skywarrior1]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I recently upgraded boats from a tracker 175 to a 2016 Pro 190 Tx.  The boat sports a Mercury 4 stroke 115hp motor with the 2:07 gears.  I thought the stock prop for this boat would have been a 19 or 21 pitch Black Maxx but when I looked I noticed it had a 23 pitch prop attached.  It almost seems like they put one on there from a 150 hp motor. 

we are running the full 650 lbs when on the boat.  The only way to get about 5000 rpm's to to trim the motor way up.  If in normal trim we are looking at about 4700 rpm at 41mph.  Trim up and WOT 6000 rpm will bring it to 45mph if loaded and 49 mph if nearly empty.  While performance isn't bad, I feel like I'm running WOT too low when I have proper trim on the motor. 

I was thinking of a 21 pitch spitfire X7 to get more grip and a better hole shot.  Just wondering everyones thoughts here....  If you need more info please let me know..

[Skywarrior1]

just bought my new pt190 with 115 proxs came with 21 pitch black max

[Oldfart9999]

If possible the best way to change your prop would be to work with a dealer, it's how you'll get the best results. I have a friend that has a Nitro, the boat had a hard time getting on plane and no top end. It took about 3 hours but they were able to set the motor height and then pick the best prop, it took several trips to the launch but he's a happy camper now.
Rodney