Help with basic terminology about props

[Jack]

Having fished only a jetboat till now, I know little about propellers. I recently ordered a prop boat (for multispecies fishing on the Tidal Potomac River and inshore Chesapeake Bay), and I am stymied by the wide array of choices in propellers. Can anyone help me with what "Pitch" refers to and, more specifically, make recommendations about setback, jackplate positioning, and optimal propeller type for a Triton 189DCF with Merc 200 EFI? Topend is less important to me than holeshot and controllabilty at higher speeds. Also, what is the significance of RPM's with a given propeller and water pressure? About all I know at this point is that more blades provide better holeshot but more water resistance (and less topend speed) and that motor height is related to resistance and topend speed. How does trim (tilt?) affect performance, and what is the best way (in general) to adjust trim after holeshot?

Many thanks,

Jack from Maryland

[PJM]

Jack

Go to this website and it will get you started
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/access/01outboard_accessories/propellers01.html

[bigfish1965]

The pitch refers to how far you will move in the water with one rotation of the prop ( theoretically). So a 19" pitch moves you 19" per rotation. This is the lower of my 2 props. It has a great hole shot. I can however over rev my motor soewhat easily, so I keep a 21" prop for days where I will be doing long distance operating.
I find the best way to adjust the trim is too wait till I am on plane, then feather the trim, keeping an eye on my rpm's. When I have full throttle and am just under my red line, I am at my full trim. Before turning, I lower my trim. This creates alot of torque in my boat, so I have to hang on. I am not sure how it differs with a jack plate, so one of the others will have to help you with that.