Honda 20

[stanstv]

Have a 2004 Honda BF20D ----- 4 blade 91/4x10 in prop (came with it) Boat is only about 500 lbs total so motor trolls to fast while fishing, should I switch to a 3 blade prop and different pitch so I can get lower rpms while fishing.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Honda 20

I doubt this would change anything. Even at idle, the motor produces a certain amount of horsepower. It will turn a prop until the prop utilizes that horsepower and that is determined by how much water it pushes. You can observe this by noticing how much the rpm drops when you shift from neutral to in gear. I'm sure this is true up to a point however in that the motor will have a maximum idle speed but you would probably have to signifcantly reduce pitch to get a slower speed and this would result in an overspeed at WOT.I would expect too that a 4 bladed prop would troll SLOWER because of the increaded drag on the blades. I have a 90 hp motor and four props of the same diameter: 15" 17"x2 and a 19".The 15" trolls the fastest. The 17" that has cupping trolls slowest -marginally. To comensate for my fast trolling speeds, I tie a rope to a small cooler and toss it overboard to act as a brake. A trolling sock would be better. Perhaps you should try lowering the idle speed a little first.

 

[Nick on the Bad Habit]

Re: Honda 20

You might be better off to trade that 20HP for a smaller motor, the advantage would be less weight and less fuel consumed.<br />Nick

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 20

Probably the easiest fix would be a troll plate, it is spring loaded and flips up as you increase the rpm for speed. I have used one on my 9.9 Evinrude for years and they work great and stay fixed to the motor so you don't have the hassel of remembering to take a bucket with you to drag around.

 

[stanstv]

Re: Honda 20

thanks guys for your help - i have been pulling a bucket around but i like gary's idea better - is there a specific brand/model i should try? thanks stan

 

[peterc38]

Re: Honda 20

I have the same motor on a 14 ft Lund. I used to have a 9.9 Honda, but it was underpowered, especially when I had a lot of weight in the boat, so I upgraded to the BF20. Just like you, I found that it depending on conditions it sometimes trolls to fast now. I have the same size 4 blade prop. My solution was to buy a electric motor for trolling. I think the trolling plate is a good idea too though.

 

[digimortal777]

Re: Honda 20

you can slow down the idle speed under the hood....i did it with my bf20<br /><br />it dosent affect the running of the engine<br /><br />there is a screw that sets a stop bar on the throttle you can lower and raise the idle easily