Hey guys, I've been searching Google and not finding the answers I'm looking for. I've got a 2004 Tracker PT175 with a 2004 Mercury 60hp 4- stroke. I bought the boat in August and it had a 14p aluminum prop that was pretty banged up. The boat would run anywhere from 33-37mph depending on whether the live well was full or not. I have 3 batteries in the back, 1 cranking and 2 for my TM, and one in the very front that I run electronics from. WOT RPMs were between 5500-6000.
I ordered a SOLAS 1311-110-15 Amita 3 blade prop that's 11" diameter x 15" pitch last week and installed on Friday. I went fishing today with a friend so his extra weight would have to added, but I don't think it should make this much difference. It took about twice as long to get on plane, WOT RPMs were around 4000-4500 and could barely get to 30mph after finding a good trim.
Another issue, with the previous prop, at WOT, I could trim the motor out much farther before "losing traction". With this new prop, I can barely reach 4-5 light taps on the trim from all the way down before it stalls.
I have not measured my prop to pad yet, and I do not have a jack plate. I'm thinking that my motor is mounted too high as the top bolts are in the 3rd mounting hole down on the motor.
Hope all this makes sense. Thanks for any help or suggestions you can provide.