Prop Experts... I need your opinion
 

what prop do you guys recommend for a 21' Ranger with a 250 Pro XS? it has a tempest (3 blade-not sure of the pitch) but want to upgrade to a 4 blade for better performance. Just curious what some of you guys are running... TIA

eta: Z21 bass boat

Call PropShop in Layayette, those guys will know

good idea. I might call several mechanics as well.

still looking to get SEVERAL different opinions on the subject so people PLEASE don't hesitate to join in

Ranger bay or bass?

bass Z21. my bad

eta: have a real bad problem with it bouncing at lower speeds (turns, just cruising-not over trimmed).. boat runs fine 50+mph. Basically, you have to run 50+ everywhere you go. so im looking for better performance on the low end.

eta2: have a fixed jackplate. Could that be part of the problem? plan on getting a hydraulic plate in the near future

Montauk used to work at the prop shop

somebody dig him up and point him to this thread :cheers:

pm him

ha. i didnt even know that was possible! cool feature

Ask that question here, http://www.bbcboards.net/zeroforum?id=42 I ran a Yamaha T-1 25P 10 inch hydro jack platte, 72 on top end, if you stick with the static platte start at 2.5 inch below the pad, then come up about .25 inch at a time, watch your water pres, Yamaha 250,,, Most run the Tempest 25P on that set up,,, Mine was an Intracoastal so it had trim tabs on it, helped A LOT at slower speeds,,, and you are correct that boat likes to run, the faster the better,,, fill it with gas and spend some time in the drivers seat, you'll get the hang of it. Don't see too many Z21's with 4 blades

Tempest is a great prop for your boat. A 4 blade will not get you better performance,throw everything out the window you have heard. The only thing 4 blades are good for is better holeshot and better handling. Also work good on tunnel hull boats. The most important thing is how many rpm's you turn at wide open. Like cutty said engine height has alot to do with overall performance as well. If your motor is too high or low you will loose performance. If you really want a new prop I would go with the mercury fury 3 blade. Make sure you check your rpm's at WOT. You need to be around 5,500-5,800 rpm's on a opti

thats what it is running now. sounds like its not a prop issue. must be the plate which will be solved with the hydraulic plate... thanks for the help :cheers:

eta: any other Ranger owners have issues with this? jc

Do you have a manual jack plate or the motor is mounted direct to the transom?

not exactly sure.. just know that it is fixed. Ill look at it when i get to the camp this afternoon.

what trim level are you guys talking about 2.5" above the pad? or is that jack plate height from the pad? im not used to having to mess around with all that stuff. like i said the boat runs great on top end.. it'd just be nice not to have to run 50 everywhere I go... and be able to go through a curvy bayou with out looking like an idiot lol

eta: im actually scared to mess with the plate bc the boat runs so well on top end.. i'll probably just tough it out until i get the hydraulic plate and go from there

eta2: misread that 2.5" recommendation.. my bad

i really dont have an issue driving the boat.. a damn 5 yo can drive it on top end lol neighbor has a bullet that i drive all the time and I know exactly what you mean when you say "you'll get the hang of it" haha

I was thinking it was a prop issue but it looks like I could be wrong. Trim tabs would probably help but i cant say that I have seen them on too many bass boats...?

I've run a Z21 with and without them, totally different boat with them. Gambler puts them on all their boat. The webpage I linked earlier is a great resource for bass boats. They can explain how to measure motor/pad height. Your issues seem to be trim/throtle setting related more so that prop. Give it a chance to climb all the way on pad before backing off the gas and keep the motor tucked until ALL the way on pad. Best of luck, you have a very fine boat in the Z21

better with them? how does it run on top end with tabs?

the boat wont get up on the pad without trimming it up...???

thanks. its even better when its full of green trout :cheers:

Mon, i looked at the plate and have NO clue what kind it is lol to me, it looked like it could be adjusted.

Much better with them. Tabs don't affect your top end (althought I used to use a little tab when running 55-65), I should have said "ALL the way on plane", I found the boat lifted better and sat up on the pad/lifted the bow better by taking off that way. Post a picture of your jack plate