Hi, I'm new here and have a 2010 17' Lund Pro Sport with a 90 HP Merc 4 stroke. With the 8HP kicker I think it weighs about 1700 lbs. Also has a trolling motor on the front, 2 12v batteries and 2 Scotty electric downriggers plus fishing gear. Maybe 2300lbs total? It came with a 13 1/4 x 17 prop and when trimmed up was at 6200rpm and 39.33 mph on gps. I was at the dealer and they had the identical boat and it came with a 13 x 19 prop so I traded with them to lower my rpm a little. It dropped 600 rpm and real slow out of the water but could also get 39mph and a lot less steering torque because I couldn't trim as high. At 4800 rpm and 32mph with 3 people we ran for about 1 1/2 hrs and used just over 6 gals of gas. So I probably should have stayed with the 17 pitch. I am looking at the Pirranha props and would like to get the 4 blade 13 x 18 for better acceleration and handling, easier steering and stays in the water better in corners. Lots of info says to stay with 3 blades under 23'. So I would like to know why that is and the pros and cons of a 4 blade on a shorter boat. I will keep the 19 for a spare.
