Hey guys, Gettin ready to take the 16 out for her maiden voyage tomorow and thought id check the prop out. Well i measured it at the widest spot and she only came out to 8.1875. Thats quite a bit under the 9 inches i thought it should be. Did i measure it right? and is there an alternative to the go devil props (kinda pricy)? If not I dont mind goin back with a gd prop just tryin to keep up with the budget. Thanks

I picked up a "Ron Hill" (aka-ebay prop) 9x5 prop to replace my 9x3 on my 16 GDLT and it runs my 16 a LOT faster top end. but going through the really skinny stuff, it doesnt do so hot. but in about 10 inches + it runs great. anywho. I think my prop was around 130 bucks shipped, but that was 2 or 3 years ago. I'd buy another one from Ron. his prop has done me really good so far. I think my next prop will be a 9x4 though. just something to think about. what kinda RPM's are you running with your current prop anyways? do you know?


Gee

Gee, do you have any speeds before and after the ron hill prop? did it carry a load better? and why would you go to a 9x4? Im just trying to get some info Im also thinking of getting a new prop and trying to figure out what would be best for where I hunt.

Yeah, i was thinkin bout goin with a lil bit more prop like the 9x5 but i will sometimes be carryin a bit of load and dont want it to bog down. id rather have a consistenst slower speed than a fast speed by myself and barely chuggin along with a load. I guess il just have to get one and try it. Typical load would be at least 2 people and gear, maybe up to 4 people and gear so id rather have the low end to keep moving. I like to get to the ramp before everybody else anyway

east, if you do get a bigger prop let me know how it does carrying a load. i know during teal season i had me (150) buddy (160), 2 dogs, 40 teal decoys, our gear, on flat deep water i was doing like 8-9mph. felt like turltes were passing me

I mostly run tidal water, and by tidal I mean 8 foot tides. At high tide, its deep, when when the tide goes out, and I want to get to the ducks, i gotta jump mud banks and go up steep mud hills. from what you said it does sound like the 9x4 would be better for me. might be a christmas present for myself

well i went to change my seals today and noticed that my prop is really a 9x5!! I guess someone along the line changed it out and I didnt notice til today.. Im guessing its a gd prop but obviously theres no tellin. The boat does well for the load iv carried so far. Wel see how it does with the REAL load this weekend.

The surface area of your prop when new was 63.6174 sq. inches; the area of a 9 inch circle drawn on paper (no pitch included).
The surface of the prop at 8.18 inches is 52.55 square inches. That's a surface area reduction of around 20%.
I feel the pitch is what is carrying your load. The prop that's in place now may give you the same thrust as the original 9x3 due to it's increased pitch.

Thanks brav. thats what i was thinkin.