CONTINUOUSWAVE

Suggest a propeller for an 1977 13-footer with a 2011 Yamaha F40. The boat is heavy with a 12-gallon fuel tank, a 14-gallon bait tank, two people with fishing equipment, and a cooler.

The current propeller is an aluminum Quicksilver three-blade 10-5/8 x 12-pitch.

Top boat speed on July 8, 2020 in freshwater was 29.5-MPH at 5800-RPM.

I would like to purchase two more propellers for different conditions:
—to be able to troll slower so I don’t have to tow buckets, and
—for offshore runs.

I may buy a stainless steel propeller or a four-blade propeller.

Suggest propeller for these purposes and my boat and engine.

Thanks—Warren

Keep the propeller you have or upgrade to a stainless steel propeller.

Your top boat speed is slow for a 40-HP engine.

10-5/8" x 13" Yamaha Painted Stainless Steel, Yamaha part # 663-45974-02-00

10-1/2" x 12" Yamaha Performance Series 3-Blade, Yamaha part # MAR-GYT38-03-12

10-7/8" x 12" Amita 4

Thanks for the propeller suggestions.

What WOT and idle speeds should I expect with each propeller that has been suggested?

I had a PRO TECH propeller on a TOHATSU 40-HP engine [on an unidentified boat]. That propeller had to be worked on to remove blade cup because [the TOHATSU 40-HP engine] idled too fast and was at the low rpm range.

My 1981 13-footer with a SUZUKI DF40 does 38-MPH with just me in the boat.

Thanks Biggiefl. In saltwater the most I get is 33.5

I really hope I can find the perfect prop to buy for my setup.

I also have a 25lbs of lead shot in the forward anchor compartment for ballast.

Given all the weight in the boat, you are not far off as it is.

[Engine speed at] WOT is right on. I just want a trolling propeller so I don't have to drag buckets to slow down.

An offshore saltwater stainless propeller would be nice.

Actually I think my main goal is to dump more money into my classic 13-footer.

I’m on the waiting list with the canvas lady to make me a custom stainless Bimini.

I’ll get real performance numbers on the evening ofJuly 10, 2020, when I will take out the boat for angling.

I keep two dive belts in the forward locker as well.

To reduce boat speed at minimum engine idle speed, reduce propeller pitch from the current propeller pitch. But be observant of recommend engine speed limit at high throttle settings, as the engine will be able to accelerate to more than the recommended maximum speed with a low-pitch propeller.

I don’t understand what criteria you imply with your intended use “for offshore.” A 13-footer won’t be going too far from the shore.

There is no magic in a four-blade propeller for a 40-HP engine.

For a 40-HP engine an aluminum propeller is generally sufficiently strong. A steel propeller may have thinner blades and give improved performance at high throttle.

You will not solve the trolling speed concern with a prop change. That is painting a pig.

Consider a trolling plate.

https://www.davisinstruments.com/product/happy-troller-small/

Troll in reverse.

I did consider a trolling plate but I won’t use it enough to make it worth drillng more holes in the [anti-ventilation] plate. I already have a hydrofoil installed.

And I did try reverse for a while but the rod holders are mounted on the transom and the wind made it exhausting to control.

Given the responses to your question towing a bucket may be your best solution. It may be inelegant but it is effective and virtually free.

Find faster fish!

I do catch faster fish, I’ve been 40 miles offshore and caught bluefin tuna from my 13ft whaler.

It was pretty choppy seas but I got a WOT of 6,000 rpm’s and 32.9mph.

This is the marking on my current prop. (It’s very hard to read) Any suggestions if I should go up in size or pitch? I have room to go up in diameter.

I googled the # and was not able to find the exact #. I’m going to try and call quicksilver on Monday.

Warren - That sounds fishy. Did the tuna fit in your cooler?

Jeff. I normally release them but when I keep fish I use a “Kill Bag”

You can see it behind me on the deck of the boat. I used to use a cooler but it takes up too much space and does not have the capacity of the bag....Warren

Jefecinco. Does it still sound “Fishy”? Or do my pics make it believable?

Believable but I'm amazed. Beautiful fish.