evinrude 175 on a 20'proline

[ChiefBrody210]

hey fellas..looking for a little info and opinions..I have a 78 proline that I have almost finished rebuilding..new stringers, decking, everything...im now running all cables for the motor and since this is my first real fishing boat I got a few questions..my first question is about props...i dont know much about them at all..the motor is an evinrude 175 and i plan on using the boat in the bay and hopefully offshore....i know that pictures are worth a thousand words and ill be posting some soon but until then a few insights and overall opinions and what type of prop will give me better performance, speed, longer life, etc...

also I have the opportunity to purchase a jackplate for the motor for 450..its hydraulic and in good working order..I have a good idea what function they serve (raise and lower the motor), but I'm not sure if it is worth the added expense and if i will really need it in the bays or offshore...any advice and opinions would be great...

one more thing...the fuel tank is approx 30 gallons...i know these motors aren't too efficient but if any of you guys have a comparable size tank, I sure would like to know how far this amount of fuel will get me...i.e. is a 10mile trip off shore about the extent of it seeing that its 20 round trip..or can i push it to 15 and still make it back with fuel to troll around the bays??

thx in advance

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: evinrude 175 on a 20'proline

Chief,

I own a 20' Key West CC with a Johnson 150 OceanRunner and a 60 gal. tank. I usually run just over half-throttle(about 25 Kts.) and average 3 miles to the gallon. My only concern is that your 30 gal tank seems small for the size of the boat and the 175hp motor.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: evinrude 175 on a 20'proline

Would be helpful to know the model number or year from your engine. I would assume the engine is probably about the same age as the year of the boat. A 78 vintage 175 is a carbed crossflow 90 degree V6. None of the crossflow engine family are considered very fuel efficient engines. It would get worse mileage than the later 60 degree looper entioned above-which are a later model and have improved fuel economy. A jackplate is helpful to raise an lower the engine: when lowered it is helpful when coming up on plane, then can be raised to reduce drag when on plane. It's most helpful when at full speed-the setback of the engine acts as a lever to raise the bow. Less boat in the water=more top end speed. Generally considered a helpful tool/device. One problem you should look into. Some times the jackplate setback moves the engine further aftward-so far that you may have to change out the steering cables (also throttle/shift cables) to ones a foot or so longer. You'll want assess this to see if it's worth your efforts/expense.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: evinrude 175 on a 20'proline

It would get worse mileage than the later 60 degree looper mentioned above-which are a later model and have improved fuel economy.

I guess fuel economy is in the eye of the beholder. My looper is plenty thirsty. I have a 30 gallon tank - while it's plenty for a half day of skiing and running around in the local lake with my 200 I'll agree with the earlier comment that it's not much for going offshore.

One problem you should look into. Some times the jackplate setback moves the engine further aftward-so far that you may have to change out the steering cables (also throttle/shift cables) to ones a foot or so longer. You'll want assess this to see if it's worth your efforts/expense.

Very good point. Plus, with steering cables you can only bend them so much. Sometimes when adding a jackplate you have to add new holes on the rear of your boat for the steering cables.