I know there are a lot of variables here, but I was wondering on the higher modded motors like Stage 2's that turn at least 4800 rpms, what seems to be the best combination of power and speed. I'm Currently running a Big Blade on a 18x44 Gator Trax. Kinda heavy hull with all the boxes. Boat is in the shop getting some better parts. I don't have reverse. I hear the Hammer was design to help with the reverse motors. I've also seen a 3 blade 12/10 from BPS. Also seen 3 bladed props on some GTR's. I thought about changing the pitch on the Big Blade from 10 to 11. Just curious what some of you guys experiences have been and what worked best. I want to carry 3 to 4 people and still get decent top end. Still have the stock gears 38 top and 50 bottom. Waiting to see how it does before I change gears or prop.

Running a brand new worked prop tomorrow afternoon. I current run 33 solo with a worked 3 blade, and have throttle left. Boat too light solo and starts porpoises bad past 33. Gonna run the new 2 blade tomorrow with 2 and an ice chest. Will report back with prop info once I see if I'm sending it back or keeping it as is.

Take your existing prop to a reputable prop shop, familiar with surface drive props. Tell him what your motor is currently doing and what you want it to do.....with the prop of your choice.

You're right....their are currently too many variables to say one prop is "the best." What's best on one boat may suck hind tit on the next boat.

Yeah, but I have 36/45. Gtr stock gears. Not much else can be done with this engine. I'm at 212 compression with all internals, mikuni, head work, gutted exhaust.

What do shops normally charge to change pitch on a prop? I've never had one reworked before. Also, does anyone have some good prop shop names. I'm 45 mins from Baton Rouge and 45mins from Morgan City or 45 from Thibodoux so location isn't that big of a deal.

38/45 there Russ with a 2010 ish and older frame

Ah. Thought it was 36, maxxis. Thanks for the correction.

Gros: LAProp, Baggys. I use laprop, and was pleased with how even everything is, and weighed out on each blade. Heard many pleased with baggy too.

New GTRs are 38/48 1.26:1

Sorry about the delay in posting results. New prop needs a bit more tweaking, but I'll post old prop and new.

3 blade worked, old (11p, think it's actually 12 now): 33+ solo, boat porpoises, still have throttle left
2 blade worked (big blade with some magic thrown in): 32 solo, boat porpoises, still have throttle left.

Here's the major difference: 3 blade with 3 and an ice chest and bunch of tools: 27
2 blade with same load: 30.5 solid, peaks past 31.
2 blade hops up much quicker solo and loaded, though after the next bit of work, I expect that to get even better. It never seemed to stop pushing, while the 3 blade has a bit of time where it doesn't seem to bite the whole way up to speed.
Will update after another run Monday with more focused testing, and then after the changes will post again. Also getting the 3 blade tweaked for deep water running, so I expect more speed from it, and hopefully a bit better loaded character.

Any noticeable difference in Tiller torque between the two?


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I have the old style lower and didn't have to alter the bend in my skeg for the 2 blade at top end. The two blade didn't care what trim position was, while there's a sweet spot for the 3 blade at different rpms.

Russ, thanks for posting up all this info. Good data.

More to come. Had some small kinks today with the frame I had to solve, so wasn't focused solely on prop, hence another trip tomorrow afternoon. Speeds shouldn't change, but I'll pay more attention to trim, torque, rpms, and off idle behavior, and swap props so I'm not going off old data. My rings seated better, and now my compression is up to 217 and 218, instead of 212 on both when I first reassembled.

If you have the old gear, change it... I ran the best on my old gear with a big blade that was worn out pitched to 11... it was basically an 11X11...

Put the new gear in and it came alive. I have a level 3 delta performance motor. 1846 gt hull. Very light

I hit 34 the other day with 3 guys a dog and our blind bags... that was with a pitched and cupped gt 3 blade. I'll be able to see better with a merc prop worked right.

I'm wondering if changing to a lower tooth bottom spocket or just changing prop pitch can yield similar results. Like either change the bottom spocket from a 50 tooth to a 46 tooth or change a big blades pitch from 10 to 12. Both should lower rpms and increase speed right?

Yep, but may kill your bottom end.

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Load carrying or top speed. Two different props..

You are going to sacrifice something to gain something else....at least that has been my experience. The stock props tend to offer a happy medium of speed, load carrying and mud eating.


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Yup