60 hp Merc 4 stroke prop question

[Murfeyes]

I have a 2005 Alumacraft Navigator with a 60 hp 4 stroke tiller. I purchased new with a 13 degree pitch prop, and they had the motorset at the second hole (first hole being the lowest). The boat, with just me in it, would plane out fine and top out at 5200 rpm.
Put two more people in the boat, and it would take a 1/4 to a 1/2 mile to plane out. Took it to a different Merc dealer and they raised the motor two holes. Much better out of the hole but while on plane a hard left or right would allow the prop to cavitate. Tach would be at 5500 rpm with just me in the boat, which I believe is about right.
Took it to another dealer today and he lowered the motor two holes (back to original mount) and told me that the prop should be 15 degree or maybe even 17 degree pitch and possibly a larger prop.
If I did that it would be even more difficult to get it on plane, and everything I've read starts out with the 13 degree prop and is 10"+ in diameter, same as I have. They also suggested that tachs on boats are inaccurate, and that I should use their portable tach to test mine. We have ice yet so cant do that for a few weeks.
Any ideas? There must be someone on here that has a Merc on a 165 Navigator that functions adequately. Thanks, murf

[Hot Runr Guy]

I had a similiar Merc 60 4S on a 17' Lund, ended up as far down as a 11" pitch prop, in order to get the boat to plane with 3 guys in it, but it would bump-up against the rev limiter. See if you can borrow a 12" pitch prop and try it. The dealer who's suggesting a 15" or 17" does not know what he's talking about. I'd leave the motor in the 2nd hole up position, that motor has a fairly small lower unit/diameter prop combination, like you found out, it's easy to raise it too high.
HRG

[Murfeyes]

Thanks HRG. I actually was looking for a 12 degree pitch prop last year, but the water got hard before I found one. I will keep looking. My brother has the same exact boat and motor, but 50 hp instead of 60hp. He runs an 11 degree prop without much problems, so that(12 degree) seems to make alot of sense. He (the dealer) really had me stumped with that 15 degree and 17 degree with a larger diameter prop talk....Murf

[NMG]

I'd vote for an 11 or 12. Ideally you want to get your RPM's into the mid or upper range of your max RPM so I think either of those props would be a better alternative to the 13. A 15 or 17 sounds crazy and I don't think you'd even get on plane with one. Good luck!

[lmhans4440]

I have a 2008 1600 Alaskan with the same motor. It came rigged with a vengence 12 pitch 3 blade prop. RPM's with me alone were at the rev limiter like 6300. I switched to a 13 pitch 3 blade and the rpms dropped to 6100 with a top speed of 40.7mph. I also tried a Trophy sport 13 pitch 4 blade and the boat got on plane quicker and the rpms were 5950 with a top speed of 39.3 mph. I would suggest trying a 12 pitch 3 or 4 blade prop, but the stainless ones are a little spendy. I would only recomend mecury props. All of the props I tried were stainless.

[northernbite]

The 12 degree prop you are looking for is on the swap board.

Paul

[Murfeyes]

Thanks northernbite, I seen it yesterday, wasn't sure if it was the right one so I did a little research and discovered it was. Went back to swap board an hour later and some one beat me to it. (unless he doesn't take it, I have 2nd dibs).
Story of my life , always a step behind ;) . I think the 12 degree will work. I forgot, I borrowed my brothers 11 degree pitch 2 years ago, off his 50 hp merc (he has the exact boat as mine , but I have the 60hp). The 11 degree prop popped me out quickly but hit the rev limiter at 6200 at or about top end, so I think the 12 will be the answer now that the boat motor is lowered to where I think it should be.

[Knot Tellin]

40 mph that is good. What kinda speed did you get with 12 pitch prop.
I have a Lund Pro Angler 16 with a 60 4 stroke. I believe it is a 13 pitch. I can run 32-34 depending on load. I have noticed when I have a good load in the boat it can take a while to plane off. I have been thinking of dropping a pitch.

I have a 2008 1600 Alaskan with the same motor. It came rigged with a vengence 12 pitch 3 blade prop. RPM's with me alone were at the rev limiter like 6300. I switched to a 13 pitch 3 blade and the rpms dropped to 6100 with a top speed of 40.7mph. I also tried a Trophy sport 13 pitch 4 blade and the boat got on plane quicker and the rpms were 5950 with a top speed of 39.3 mph. I would suggest trying a 12 pitch 3 or 4 blade prop, but the stainless ones are a little spendy. I would only recomend mecury props. All of the props I tried were stainless.

[Murfeyes]

I also was surprised at the 40 mph. The best I've got was 32 mph tops riding alone . More like average of 29 to 31 mph with gps. I would love to get the upper end of 30s or even 40, but I'm quite sure I will never get it with the boat/motor I have now...Murf

[jcd]

I have a 2007 Lund Classic 1660 Sport with a Merc 60 hp 4 stroke EFI (non-bigfoot) with a Merc 13" alum prop, motor on transom (dealer recommeded). WOT: trimmed out at 6,000 rpm, 2 people in boat, top speed 34.2 mph (gps).

[lmhans4440]

I cant remember for sure, but i think it was like 36-37 mph with the 12 pitch. These gps speed readings are taken going downstream on the missouri river. My alaskan only weighs 860 lbs, i believe the Pro anglers were a few hundred pounds heavier. The boat does 36.6 mph up stream with the vengence 13 pitch 3 blade. I would definatley try a 12 pitch on that Pro Angler.

[LEDBECK]

I have the same motor on my Crestliner 1650. dealer setup was a 13Px10". this works well most of the time but when the boat is loaded heavy, 3+people, it is a bit of a dog out of the hole and will take some work to get on plane. 2 or less people it pops relatively well and will run 31-32mph @6200rpm. it would be nice to get 40 out of it but not a chance with this setup. when I know I will be having 3 or more in the boat I stick a 12Px10" on it and it does a good job getting on plane but I do have to watch the high end rpm because it will hit the over rev limits. the 12P prop ought to work well for you.

[Shovelhead]

Just curious on what holes are your motors mounted,I raised mine to the 3rd hole, seems a little slow getting out of the hole with a 13 pitch prop and three people in the boat.
Thanks

[lmhans4440]

I'll try to check tonite. My buddy has a 1675 pro guide with a 60 efi merc and he has trouble planing with 3 people with a 12 pitch vengeance.

[Shovelhead]

Cheked my Alumacraft CS 165 Magnum today,here is what I found out.
ORIGINAL SET UP
12 pitch prop
motor mounted on the transom
6000 rpm 29mph.

Raised motor two holes ( 3rd hole down)
13 pitch prop
5950 rpm 34mph with just me in the boat.
My buddy jumped in 220lbs 33mph we then filled the livewell same speed no issues getting on plane.


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