Hmmm, I see you’re at Keystone Power Dam. Hahaha. One of my home places to fish. Looking to get a 15hp or 20hp Mercury EFI as a kicker for my 2002 Alumacraft Trophy 185. Been hoping to get around 10-12mph. I don’t have to plane, I just want to move from point A to point B at a decent pace. Won’t be using the kicker for trolling, but for rather going to Keystone and Lake Arthur and Pymatuning which have horsepower restrictions, like you know of.
The Power Dam has been my home lake since I was 5 years old. I'm hoping to fish more lakes this year. It's hard leaving a body of water you know so well. I'm a firm believer of speed limits on lakes instead of horsepower restrictions. I know it would require more patrols but it's no different than speed limits on roadways. You can drive like an idiot all you want but eventually you'll get pinched. Back when Pymie was 10hp max I got caught in a thunderstorm with a loaded boat and it's no joke. Luckily I was running an 18hp Tohatsu with 9.9 stickers. Sorry for the rant, had this same conversation with Fish Commission officers on several occasions. You ever consider buying an older Johnson 30hp with 20 stickers. I see them for sale on marketplace here and there. You won't be the only boat on the lake running that setup. 😂
@@rgrtv8677 I’ve fished the Power Dam for 15+ years, only recently being able to find fish there and being able to follow their patterns. Caught quite a few slab crappies out of there last year, even a nice 29” walleye. I’m 110% with you on the speed restrictions rather than the horsepower restriction. What’s to say some guy in a 12 foot flat bottom slap a 20 horse on his boat and go 30+mph? I’ve considered looking at older motors and doing carb swaps, but two things; most older motors that share similar displacement with “choked off” carbs are usually two stroke, and I really want to run 4 stroke since my main is a Yamaha F115 4 stroke. That’s why I’ve been looking at EFI models because they seem to have more nuts to them, plus the added benefit to higher amperage charging.
@@tjordan4436 I would have to agree with your thinking. This motor is the first EFI 4-stroke I've ever owned. I'd never go back to a stinky 2-stroke now.
@@DpuckFishingandOutdoors The Lowe Skorpion is a nice boat. I like that the decks are all aluminum. Never have to worry about plywood warping and rotting.
@@fbiburneraccount I did not with only me, no gear and lite fuel, 11 pitch prop was boggy. I got a 9.25 x 9 on order, heavy boat with full bass arrangement. Will advise later...I am going completely thru the fuel system currently and a carb rebuild and all fresh gas. My old 17/54 tracker grizzly with a 25hp 2s would run you speed #'s but this boat is doggin so far. I fish a small mostly idle lake so it doesn't matter but I want it to do all it can the same as you. I will report back. I got a mini tach to use when testing.
I planned on trying a 12 pitch Solas next but couldn't find any in stock. Ended up buying a 12 pitch Michigan Wheel from my local marina. I'll be testing it out soon. Thanks for watching!
I have a grizzly 1548 older one with no pods on the rear 520 pound hull weight. I have the same engine as you but its a tiller with a solas amita 3 9.25x11p. 25 mph on a garmin handheld gps at about 6050 rpm but it will easily hit the rev limiter at 6300. Even with full gear and another 240 pound fishing buddy hit 24mph at 6050 will still go to the rev limiter at 6300. So I tried the same prop but a 12p and it killed it 5500 to 5600 would not get above 23mph with 2 people burned alot more fuel hole shot was long to plane. 5750 rpm is where this engine makes a full 20hp. If you fish with a buddy stick with the 11p and just use throttle control and keep her at 6000 rpm.
Thanks for the great feedback! I couldn't find a 12p Solas in stock at the time so I tried a Michigan wheel 12p. RPM and speed was the exact same as what you said you got with the Solas 12p. Thought maybe is was heavier or designed different since it bogged the engine down so much. I'm sticking with the 11p and keeping the throttle in the sweet spot when I'm alone. It runs about 5800 with a friend. Good luck on the water!!
After market props are always 1 pitch smaller than original brand. You have to buy the original 11,5 prop to go lower in rpm. Ore buy a aftermarket 12 prop.
I tried a 12p Michigan wheel prop but it dropped the rpm's too much. Might try an OEM 12p at some point to see how it does. For now I'm sticking with the 11p Solas. Thanks for the feedback!
I tried a 12 pitch prop but lost a couple mph, it was a Michigan wheel brand prop. Couldn't find a Solas 12 pitch prop in stock. A 40hp would solve my speed issues😂.
I tried a 12p Michigan wheel aluminum prop, rpm's dropped considerably and lost 1-2 MPH. The only 12p Solas prop I could find was stainless. For now I'm sticking with the 11p and the 10p when there's 2 people in the boat.
I got the same boat and motor haven’t even put a drop of gas in it yet, are you able to trim while under power, dealer told me it wouldn’t trim under power because the trim motor isn’t powerful enough, is this true?
I just purchased basically the same setup but it's a Honda 20 4 stroke, and the manual says the sweet spot is 5500. Currently it has an 8 pitch. Would a 10 or 11 be all wrong for me at the lower RPM? Trying to wrap my head around this. I received some props with the boat but all between 7-9.
I have a 16’ tracker pro guide V, under your boat’s weight and don’t get anywhere near your results. Am using 10 pitch (original). RPM Peaks out at 5100. ?????
Nice video with some good testing, but the second guy definitely has to go. Seems to me that he has a big ego.😂😂. Anyhow, you’ll definitely want to go with less pitch with more weight in the boat, and don’t let anyone talk you into going to a 4 blade prop. I bought a 4 blade spitfire and just hate it. I keep a hub in it and keep it in the boat just for back up purpose but I lost time on plane and lost about 4 mpg on top end. Right now I’m looking at a Vengeance stainless steel prop. It’s $361.00 but hopefully it can help me get on plane faster and maybe help me a little bit on top speed. With my wife and I in the boat, plane time is about 5 seconds and top speed is about 34 mph. But you have to understand that both of us are over 200 lbs. I’m debating on what pitch to get with the Vengeance prop. It’s been a bad year for me so far. I haven’t been fishing in over three months. My wife has had 2 surgeries and I’ve had one. I’m still not allowed to lift anything over 5 lbs. Anyhow, keep making the videos and keep the lines tight.
Thanks buddy! Always good to hear from you. Hopefully things go well and you can get back on the water soon. I'm testing a 12 pitch next to see if it gets my RPMs down some. I called Deep Blue Yacht Supply for prop advice, very helpful. He did tell me you need to drop a pitch or two when switching to stainless since it's heavier. Obviously I stuck with aluminum. I'm not sure the new guy is gonna work out, good thing he's not getting paid.😂
@@rgrtv8677 it’s the opposite if the same pitch. What it would do for you is lower your rpm about 200…..but grabs more. If you went up an inch and stayed wit( 3 blades you would probably hit over 28…..
@@AAE-cg1il Thanks for the info! I tried a Michigan wheel 12p but lost speed and the rpm's dropped to 5600. Kinda sucks props are non-returnable, I'm getting a collection of them.😂
@@rgrtv8677 That wouldnt seem like the results I would expect. It is a bit of a guessing game…..there are other factors from mfg to mfg like cupping that come into play. It’s too expensive to mess around……
You'd better fix this explanation of yours on top : "tried a Michigan wheel 12p but lost speed and the rpm's dropped to 5600. Kinda sucks props are non-returnable I'm getting a collection of them."
Interesting info about the stainless props on these 20hp EFI. Appreciate you sharing
I'm glad I talked to someone experienced with these engines, almost ordered a stainless prop. Thanks for watching the video!!
Love the video 📹
Thanks for watching!!
Hmmm, I see you’re at Keystone Power Dam. Hahaha. One of my home places to fish.
Looking to get a 15hp or 20hp Mercury EFI as a kicker for my 2002 Alumacraft Trophy 185. Been hoping to get around 10-12mph. I don’t have to plane, I just want to move from point A to point B at a decent pace. Won’t be using the kicker for trolling, but for rather going to Keystone and Lake Arthur and Pymatuning which have horsepower restrictions, like you know of.
The Power Dam has been my home lake since I was 5 years old. I'm hoping to fish more lakes this year. It's hard leaving a body of water you know so well. I'm a firm believer of speed limits on lakes instead of horsepower restrictions. I know it would require more patrols but it's no different than speed limits on roadways. You can drive like an idiot all you want but eventually you'll get pinched. Back when Pymie was 10hp max I got caught in a thunderstorm with a loaded boat and it's no joke. Luckily I was running an 18hp Tohatsu with 9.9 stickers. Sorry for the rant, had this same conversation with Fish Commission officers on several occasions. You ever consider buying an older Johnson 30hp with 20 stickers. I see them for sale on marketplace here and there. You won't be the only boat on the lake running that setup. 😂
@@rgrtv8677 I’ve fished the Power Dam for 15+ years, only recently being able to find fish there and being able to follow their patterns. Caught quite a few slab crappies out of there last year, even a nice 29” walleye. I’m 110% with you on the speed restrictions rather than the horsepower restriction. What’s to say some guy in a 12 foot flat bottom slap a 20 horse on his boat and go 30+mph?
I’ve considered looking at older motors and doing carb swaps, but two things; most older motors that share similar displacement with “choked off” carbs are usually two stroke, and I really want to run 4 stroke since my main is a Yamaha F115 4 stroke. That’s why I’ve been looking at EFI models because they seem to have more nuts to them, plus the added benefit to higher amperage charging.
@@tjordan4436 I would have to agree with your thinking. This motor is the first EFI 4-stroke I've ever owned. I'd never go back to a stinky 2-stroke now.
@@rgrtv8677 < The 4 strokes are so much better than the 2-strokes. I know the 2 stroke fan boys disagree but most have never operated a 4 stroke.
Nice test. Looking forward to when you hit that coveted 25 mph!
It'll be an epic day for sure! 😂
@@rgrtv8677 I am teasing you of course. I am looking for a boat and am inclined to go with a 25-35 HP motor.
@@DpuckFishingandOutdoors Nice! What style and brand are you looking for?
@@rgrtv8677 Leaning towards either the Lowe Skorpion 17 or the Crestliner Storm 17.
@@DpuckFishingandOutdoors The Lowe Skorpion is a nice boat. I like that the decks are all aluminum. Never have to worry about plywood warping and rotting.
I got a 170 SeaArk about the same weight and will be testing an older 20hp four stroke merc on it tomorrow. I would be elated to get on plane !!
Sooooo.... Does it get on plane?
@@fbiburneraccount I did not with only me, no gear and lite fuel, 11 pitch prop was boggy. I got a 9.25 x 9 on order, heavy boat with full bass arrangement. Will advise later...I am going completely thru the fuel system currently and a carb rebuild and all fresh gas. My old 17/54 tracker grizzly with a 25hp 2s would run you speed #'s but this boat is doggin so far. I fish a small mostly idle lake so it doesn't matter but I want it to do all it can the same as you. I will report back. I got a mini tach to use when testing.
Thanks for the video, I have the same boat and motor and looking for a new prop. Did you consider any other props?
I planned on trying a 12 pitch Solas next but couldn't find any in stock. Ended up buying a 12 pitch Michigan Wheel from my local marina. I'll be testing it out soon. Thanks for watching!
I have a grizzly 1548 older one with no pods on the rear 520 pound hull weight. I have the same engine as you but its a tiller with a solas amita 3 9.25x11p. 25 mph on a garmin handheld gps at about 6050 rpm but it will easily hit the rev limiter at 6300. Even with full gear and another 240 pound fishing buddy hit 24mph at 6050 will still go to the rev limiter at 6300. So I tried the same prop but a 12p and it killed it 5500 to 5600 would not get above 23mph with 2 people burned alot more fuel hole shot was long to plane. 5750 rpm is where this engine makes a full 20hp. If you fish with a buddy stick with the 11p and just use throttle control and keep her at 6000 rpm.
Thanks for the great feedback! I couldn't find a 12p Solas in stock at the time so I tried a Michigan wheel 12p. RPM and speed was the exact same as what you said you got with the Solas 12p. Thought maybe is was heavier or designed different since it bogged the engine down so much. I'm sticking with the 11p and keeping the throttle in the sweet spot when I'm alone. It runs about 5800 with a friend. Good luck on the water!!
I’m downgrading my pro 170 from a 50hp to a 20 for local lake restrictions. Curious if you’ve tried the 12 pitch yet and how it did?
After market props are always 1 pitch smaller than original brand. You have to buy the original 11,5 prop to go lower in rpm. Ore buy a aftermarket 12 prop.
I tried a 12p Michigan wheel prop but it dropped the rpm's too much. Might try an OEM 12p at some point to see how it does. For now I'm sticking with the 11p Solas. Thanks for the feedback!
I’m about to buy this same boat used with a 40hp four stroke. Did you ever get more speed out of yours?
I tried a 12 pitch prop but lost a couple mph, it was a Michigan wheel brand prop. Couldn't find a Solas 12 pitch prop in stock. A 40hp would solve my speed issues😂.
What’s the exact size for the 11 pitch you bought? 11by ?
Ive heard the 12 pitch is where see the difference
This is interesting. The lakes around my are restricted to 10 hp. Well I would like storage and the rest not just a John boat.
Did you do the 12p test? I cant find it in your videos....
Keystone power dam??
Yep
@@rgrtv8677t thought it was max 10 hp thier
What size beam on pro 170? I have pro guide v16. Get 7-8 mph at 4900-5000 rpm’s. My beam is 7’4”. Thanks
Did you ever test the 12p prop
I tried a 12p Michigan wheel aluminum prop, rpm's dropped considerably and lost 1-2 MPH. The only 12p Solas prop I could find was stainless. For now I'm sticking with the 11p and the 10p when there's 2 people in the boat.
@@rgrtv8677 I got the same motor with 10p wondering if you ganged any speed with the change in pitch is why I ask.
@@bassdaddy1730 I only gained about 1-2 mph. I'd hoped for a 100-200 drop in RPMs but that pretty much stayed the same.
May I ask how fast it can go with 2 fishermen onboard?
I got the same boat and motor haven’t even put a drop of gas in it yet, are you able to trim while under power, dealer told me it wouldn’t trim under power because the trim motor isn’t powerful enough, is this true?
Did that prop come with the hub allready on it?
I just purchased basically the same setup but it's a Honda 20 4 stroke, and the manual says the sweet spot is 5500. Currently it has an 8 pitch. Would a 10 or 11 be all wrong for me at the lower RPM? Trying to wrap my head around this. I received some props with the boat but all between 7-9.
What’s the elevation?
I'd say around 1000ft
I have a 16’ tracker pro guide V, under your boat’s weight and don’t get anywhere near your results. Am using 10 pitch (original). RPM Peaks out at 5100. ?????
Nice video with some good testing, but the second guy definitely has to go. Seems to me that he has a big ego.😂😂. Anyhow, you’ll definitely want to go with less pitch with more weight in the boat, and don’t let anyone talk you into going to a 4 blade prop. I bought a 4 blade spitfire and just hate it. I keep a hub in it and keep it in the boat just for back up purpose but I lost time on plane and lost about 4 mpg on top end. Right now I’m looking at a Vengeance stainless steel prop. It’s $361.00 but hopefully it can help me get on plane faster and maybe help me a little bit on top speed. With my wife and I in the boat, plane time is about 5 seconds and top speed is about 34 mph. But you have to understand that both of us are over 200 lbs. I’m debating on what pitch to get with the Vengeance prop.
It’s been a bad year for me so far. I haven’t been fishing in over three months. My wife has had 2 surgeries and I’ve had one. I’m still not allowed to lift anything over 5 lbs. Anyhow, keep making the videos and keep the lines tight.
Thanks buddy! Always good to hear from you. Hopefully things go well and you can get back on the water soon. I'm testing a 12 pitch next to see if it gets my RPMs down some. I called Deep Blue Yacht Supply for prop advice, very helpful. He did tell me you need to drop a pitch or two when switching to stainless since it's heavier. Obviously I stuck with aluminum. I'm not sure the new guy is gonna work out, good thing he's not getting paid.😂
How fast with 2 guys?
Around 18mph
With those numbers I would run an 11 inch pitch 4 blade.
Interesting. Always thought 4 blade props let the engine rev more.
@@rgrtv8677 it’s the opposite if the same pitch. What it would do for you is lower your rpm about 200…..but grabs more. If you went up an inch and stayed wit( 3 blades you would probably hit over 28…..
@@AAE-cg1il Thanks for the info! I tried a Michigan wheel 12p but lost speed and the rpm's dropped to 5600. Kinda sucks props are non-returnable, I'm getting a collection of them.😂
@@rgrtv8677 That wouldnt seem like the results I would expect. It is a bit of a guessing game…..there are other factors from mfg to mfg like cupping that come into play. It’s too expensive to mess around……
You may be hitting red line with both, which means you should got even higher pitch.
I'm not familiar with boats,,
My dream is to own a bass boat in the future☺️
I hope your dream comes true. Good to hear from you!
@@rgrtv8677 😆👍
Buy a 14' v Hull and a used 10 HP motor. You can go anywhere. I have bamboo rod holders.👍🤣
You'd better fix this explanation of yours on top :
"tried a Michigan wheel 12p but lost speed and the rpm's dropped to 5600. Kinda sucks props are non-returnable I'm getting a collection of them."
you never explained propeller diameters :
are those exactly the same in all 3 propellers, and only the pitch is changing?
well that was pointless, thanks for saving me time.
No way that's 6200 think ur tach is off
That's a good possibility. It definitely sounds as its wound pretty tight at full throttle.
1mph, just put a 50 hp on it