Re: WOT test results OK ???
I think you are way to low. That presents a problem too. With the load you were carrying that engine should have cranked up to a lot closer to 6,000 RPM (you would not have wanted to hold it there, just test). You will gain about 200 RPM, or a little less, for every inch of pitch you go down and that is the problem. It would indicate that you actually need about a 12" or 13" pitch prop, and as far as I know nobody makes one like that. It may be time to consider another make or model of prop, one with different shaped blades, or whatever.<br /><br />By the way, let me tell you my little theory on prop pitch and outboard engines. I believe that any boat that has about the right horsepower engine on the tail will find itself using a prop of about 20" pitch. If you have a boat that is underpowered for its size you can make up for that to some extent by going down in pitch, but there are prices to pay. There are also boats on the water that are grossly over powered. Many bass boats come to mind and its not uncommon at all to see props with pitches in the mid-20's on them. That's OK though because that is just part of what bass boats are and what those guys do with them, the are just as much an exception as the open small boats that commercial crabbers used up and down the coast. For all the rest of us in our day boats if the prop that works right for us has about 20" of pitch its a pretty good sign that the boat has plenty of power but is not some sort of silly speed perversion. Just an observation, I'm sure a lot of folks won't agree. Doesn't bother me at all.
