2016 37 GTR XD all stock on a 16x54 Gator Trax with hunt deck, rod boxes. Heavier than average hunting boat.
I'm looking to get some advice on props. I'm really wanting to get a Hammer Prop, but I'm not sure if I can turn it well enough. Currently using the stock 3 blade. When I've got a light load and its just me, I can get about 25 to 26 mph @ 4000 to 4100 rpms. With a medium load, 22 to 23 mph @ about 3950 rpms. With a heavy load, trudging.
I would really appreciate it if any of you could ask me some questions on what to look for to determine if I would be better off with a different prop.

Weight is everything.

Do a leakdown test. Bet your valves are leaking. And no, you cant turn a hammer.

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#GhostBoat
#Whoneedsphysicsihaveamudmotor

What RPMs should a 37 xd gtr get? What's its happy range?

Should be turning around 4400-4700

A stock 37 when propped right should be around maybe 4300. If you prop it to 4700 you're leaving get up and go on the table. Yeah, maybe you get another mph on top, but you lose slow speed planing and load carry. Cup (load) and pitch (speed) both place a load on the engine. You cant have a ton of both with a stock engine. So if maintaining speed with more load matters, then you wont be running 30s with any kind of load.

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#GhostBoat
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A hammer will lug. Run a big blade till you throw a cam and heads on.


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Big blade has always been the best all around prop for the 2 gtrs I've owned. Hole shot and load wise especially

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He's running an xd. You're right, but hed have to get whatever adjusted to make it fit because of GT's effort to make their props the only option on the xd.

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#GhostBoat
#Whoneedsphysicsihaveamudmotor

Alright, so if Im running 4000 rpms with a medium (normal) hunting load, with the gtr stock 3 blade, what are my options to get to 4300? Are there any dealers that would let me test different props with little or no charge? I just feel like I got cheated since I didnt get the chance to test some different props out when it was brand new. I've been running this set up for 3.5 years. pretty much the same numbers all 3 seasons. My buddy put a hammer on his 37 gtr with no mods and is running 35 with 2 guys and gear. I just cant figure out how mine runs 10 mph less?

35 with a stock 37 with 2 guys and gear?

#CFFITR
#GhostBoat
#Whoneedsphysicsihaveamudmotor

Yes, I see him do it all the time. Leave my ass in dust. Hes got the first 37. Its not an XD.

He keeps trying to talk me into buying the Hammer for mine, but I dont think that it would help me out as much as it did his. Thats why I'm on here to try and figure it out. I just read that BPS will let you return an undamaged prop within 30 days for a full refund minus shipping. I may just order one at a time and see which one performs the best. I just wish that I was given that opportunity from day one.

I guess I could order both the big blade gtr and the hammer gtr and return the one performs the lease. It looks like my only options for props to fit my XD are the hammer gtr, big blade gtr, raptor hex, and 3 blade hex. These are on the BPS site specific for xd models. I guess I also have the gtr fat blade, but haven't heard too many good things about it. Do yall know of any other prop options/suggestions? Also, I live in Monroe, La. If any of you wouldn't mind letting me borrow your prop and run the river, it would be much appreciated.

I didn't think a stock 37 had the nuts to turn a hammer prop.

And 35mph with 2 guys and gear?

Hmmmmm

Yep, I think his boat is a 16X44 or 50 with hunt deck. Very basic/light boat, empty hull with front deck, floor, and boxes in the back. No rod boxes. He just turned it into a center console too.

I don’t believe 35 with a stock 37. I would need to see that in video on gps (not phone speeds) and then have to know what all has been done to his hull

Yup. Throwing a flag on that. Been around these boats quite a while and really struggle with that.


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Yeah no way he is running that. Dude is fibbing to you bud. No way he is running 35. If he is, I need a video

If he walks the dog on you running side by side, I don't think just a prop will help you, unless yours is worn.

Also, he may be doing 30-31 and you're running 25-26.

I wouldn't go out and say 35 mph stock tho….

Are you trimming all the way up? Which hole is your motor on?

Your friend is lying to you, no stock motor turns a hammer for starters, and DEFINITELY does not run 35 mph.

Also, I've tried to run with the pin on the lowest hole and the second from the bottom, and I cant trim up enough when I'm on plane. It bottoms out before I get to the sweet spot. So that's why I was considering a jack plate.

No way he is running 35 stock much less 38. If he thinks he runs that fast tell him I want to race him for cash

Bryce, if he is confident in those numbers for real, he should race me for cash lol

This is priceless. There’s no way in hell.


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Haha, yall are killing me. I'll double check his numbers next time I see him and maybe get a video for you non believers...haha
Regardless, I'm on here to get advice for my boat. He doesn't need help, I do. Back on the jackplate. If I cant put my motor pin on either of the upper two holes, doesn't that mean I should lift the motor up some? I understand that too much down angle on the shaft would be bad. But I feel like mine might have too much up angle on it. Are we still a hard no on the idea of a jackplate?

Also, his boat is a 16x48 Go Devil.

You will get as many people here to endorse a jack plate as will believe your buddy’s unmodded speeds.

Unless your transom is way off and is causing performance issues, the most likely culprit of lost power is leaking valves as Russ said in post #2.


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Okay, your buddy aside (even though his speeds are BS )

You say you cant put it in the top 2 holes. Why not? I may have missed that.

Also, Im willing to put my paycheck on these 2 things.
Leaking valves and Prop wear. Measure your prop, even if you are missing the slightest bit, you are missing out on performance.

Also, those GatorTrax boats are NOT speed demons by any means.

And round chines are a little slower too.

He lives within 20 miles of me. We'll get it figured when we both have a little time.

#CFFITR
#GhostBoat
#Whoneedsphysicsihaveamudmotor

I doubt prop wear because RPMs are low but that may be a contributor after really leaky valves


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