I think I have the wrong prop for this boat.

[Cwaldow]

So I bought a 2019 tracker 190 tx with 4.2 hrs on it. It has a turning point 13 1/4 x 17 pitch aluminum prop. I am turning 5800 at WOT. However, this thing is all I can handle at WOT. Im getting 46ish but it handles badly. The motor is on the first whole from the top of the motor. I was looking at the same size prop in S.S. but I'm thinking after reading some posts it may be a motor mounting issue as well. Any ideas? So I need to go to a 13 x 19 pitch S.S and move the motor up one hole? Thanks
Chris. W

[joe3buck3]

What engine do you have?
My 2017 PT190 handles much better after I raised my Merc 115 Pro XS to the 3rd hole and replaced the stock aluminum prop with the 4 blade 19" stainless prop. It will do 50mph at 6270rpms.

[Cwaldow]

Joe, I have a 115 4 stroke (not the pro xs). I know it came with a p.o.s prop, but like I said, I dont know if going to a smaller diameter prop and higher pitch is going to help the handling issues. Thanks for the input.

[Extremeboating]

That motor needs to be on the second hole and if you are going stainless then it needs to be on the third hole. Raise your engine one hole first and run it. It should raise your RPM a little bit but not to much, your speed should improve due to less of the lower unit being dragged in the water. If you still don't like what your results are then switch it over to the third and change your prop but only raise it if you are planning on getting a stainless prop.

This is unfortunately a problem that you have to tackle in steps due to the retesting you need to do with every change you make to it.

[Cwaldow]

Thanks for the input Extreme. I wish you could put an extension plate on this, but I've heard it voids all the warrantees.

[Extremeboating]

Thanks for the input Extreme. I wish you could put an extension plate on this, but I've heard it voids all the warrantees.

A jackplate only voids the warranty on the transom. I personally want to optimize performance and functionality on the water so I said screw it and did it because I do all of my work on my own anyways. I'm glad I did. Adjustments can be done on the fly.

[rock2033]

you usually go DOWN in pitch if going to stainless. a 19 may be too big in SS.

[Cwaldow]

If I go to a smaller diameter prop, then I can go up in pitch, correct? I dont know that much about props.

[Extremeboating]

If I go to a smaller diameter prop, then I can go up in pitch, correct? I dont know that much about props.

Typically the only thing you need to do is either go up or down in pitch. There is no need to change diameter heavily as the offerings usually keep the size of the prop the same. The only thing modified is the pitch and if stainless there is cupping added to it.

[Cwaldow]

Ok thanks a bunch for all your guidance.

[Extremeboating]

Ok thanks a bunch for all your guidance.

No worries. Feel free to message me if you need more guidance.

[Rayman73]

A 17" pitch prop is too small for that motor and boat. Try a 19" pitch Powertech NRS3 or PTR3.