I need help with my prop please

[Neub7]

I have a 1972 18 ft aluminum deep v starcraft boat with a 2011 60 horse Mercury four stroke on it. I bought it a couple years ago and I would like some information on changing the prop. I have no idea about prop sizes and prop pitches and any information would help. The prop is a stainless steel prop but it seems very small to me. I measured it across and it's a tad under 10 in if I am measuring correctly. With me and one other person in the boat I can get it up to about 36 mph but it takes a while to get there. If I put four people in that boat it will hardly plane out and I can only get 16 to 18 mph. 36 mph is great but I would rather have more low end and be able to haul more people. Also I have a very tough time pulling a tube. I am wondering if I could go with a bigger prop or a pitch change to get more low end out of it. I don't know how to tell what pitch my prop is. I appreciate any and all suggestions thank you

 

[L0rdShenn]

Sounds like your current prop has too much pitch for what you need, it gives you good speed when light, but struggles with weight and pulling a tube. You'll want a lower pitch prop to get more low end power and better hole shot, even if it costs you a bit of top speed.
Check near the hub for numbers like "10.5 x 13"... the 2nd number is the pitch. Dropping a couple inches in pitch (say, from 13-11) should help a lot. Also, switching to aluminum makes testing cheaper.

 

[castingcouchcaptain22]

I once experimented with a larger diameter propeller, thinking it would improve performance, but it actually slowed me down. When I switched to a lower pitch and started testing with aluminum props, I not only saved some cash but also got the power I was looking for.

 

[Voyager]

That tiny stainless prop might look cool, but it's probably choking your rig's real potential. People get hung up on top speed like they're racing offshore, but for a 60hp on an 18-footer, pulling power and planing matter more. Ditch the stainless, drop the pitch, and stop treating your fishing boat like it's a Formula 1 car

 

[garlic bread]

That tiny stainless prop might look cool, but it's probably choking your rig's real potential. People get hung up on top speed like they're racing offshore, but for a 60hp on an 18-footer, pulling power and planing matter more. Ditch the stainless, drop the pitch, and stop treating your fishing boat like it's a Formula 1 car

I could not agree more. Swapping to aluminum and dropping pitch changed everything for my setup and me included. I just felt all that ego (LOL) from the power up. @L0rdShenn I appreciate the tip on reading the pitch near the hub.