prop pitch help and opinions

[battle1]

14ft 48 inch wide alumicraft v bottom with a 1959 johnson 18 hp engine. Im putting a deck and floor in the boat and want the engine to perform with two peaple. I havnt ran the engine on the boat yet so i dont know what to exspect but the prop on it is trashed so it needs a replacement. It came with a 11 pitch, should i put a 9 or 10 on . Im 210 and my dad is 240 lbs. I hope this motor can plane the boat out!!

 

[jestor68]

Re: prop pitch help and opinions

Given that you are adding weight with the floor and deck, plus 450 lbs of warm bodies, I would go will a 10 pitch.

You can hook a Tiny Tach to the motor to verify that it gets to the recommended WOT rpm.

 

[battle1]

Re: prop pitch help and opinions

Well my mechanic told me i shouldnt have a problem at all plaining the boat out but since i need a new prop anyway im just gonna go down 1 degree in pitch to make sure. Any other opinions would b greatly appreciated

 

[steelespike]

Re: prop pitch help and opinions

Lightly loaded a healthy 18 should approach 27 mph on that boat.
Your boat is what I call a small 14.If you measure centerline length it may actually be slightly less than 14'
Is it 48" at the transom? what is the widest part?Depending on the size your capacity could be as little as 600lbs.
It may struggle with a lot of added weight.
It also may be touchy when you move around near the edge of the deck.
If you add the decks/floor your motor,gas, gear, batteries etc you may be over the rated capacity.
As far as helping the motor out the suggested 10" prop is a good idea.
By the way pitch is rated in inches.