Richard Lane
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2002
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For whom ever may be interested in a Piranha propeller here is the results of my experiment:
2002 Tracker Pro Team 185 w/90 two stroke.
Piranha 4 blade propeller.
Full of gas, me (195 lbs), fishing load, 85 degrees F, 80ft elevation.
13x20 = 6ooo rpm (estimated).
Obviously not enough bite/pitch. 20" was recommended by Piranha who admitted they missed it this time.
13x22 = 5600 rpm. Top speed 39.1 mph (GPS)
13x24 = 5400 rpm. Top speed 42.3 mph (GPS)
I decided on the 24" blades. I mostly fish alone and I was loaded as much as I ever will be during the test run. The 4 blade handles this package much better than the Mercury 3 blade aluminum 12.75x21. Hole shot is RIGHT NOW! It trims a little higher and steers way better but runs close to the same speeds. Slow speed response was excellent and it easily holds plane at 19 mph. There is less felt torque in the wheel.
The blades change in a matter of a minute or two and there is no use of the thrust washer...only the nut and lock tab. I am very happy with the Piranha.
Yes, I would rather have a stainless steel Laser II or Trophy but I CAN NOT deal with the metallic rattling fuss they make on the 90 even if Mercury says it is "normal"!
The Piranha is a better prop than the aluminum but 2 mph slower. Big deal. It is a nice performing alternative to the heavy SS and cost a third as much. The Piranha weighs 1/4 lb LESS than the aluminum, too!
If nothing else it will make a great spare prop or one to use in unfamilar waters. I plan to run mine all the time.
This is the link to buy from the factory: http://www.discountboatpropellers.com/
LT
2002 Tracker Pro Team 185 w/90 two stroke.
Piranha 4 blade propeller.
Full of gas, me (195 lbs), fishing load, 85 degrees F, 80ft elevation.
13x20 = 6ooo rpm (estimated).
Obviously not enough bite/pitch. 20" was recommended by Piranha who admitted they missed it this time.
13x22 = 5600 rpm. Top speed 39.1 mph (GPS)
13x24 = 5400 rpm. Top speed 42.3 mph (GPS)
I decided on the 24" blades. I mostly fish alone and I was loaded as much as I ever will be during the test run. The 4 blade handles this package much better than the Mercury 3 blade aluminum 12.75x21. Hole shot is RIGHT NOW! It trims a little higher and steers way better but runs close to the same speeds. Slow speed response was excellent and it easily holds plane at 19 mph. There is less felt torque in the wheel.
The blades change in a matter of a minute or two and there is no use of the thrust washer...only the nut and lock tab. I am very happy with the Piranha.
Yes, I would rather have a stainless steel Laser II or Trophy but I CAN NOT deal with the metallic rattling fuss they make on the 90 even if Mercury says it is "normal"!
The Piranha is a better prop than the aluminum but 2 mph slower. Big deal. It is a nice performing alternative to the heavy SS and cost a third as much. The Piranha weighs 1/4 lb LESS than the aluminum, too!
If nothing else it will make a great spare prop or one to use in unfamilar waters. I plan to run mine all the time.
This is the link to buy from the factory: http://www.discountboatpropellers.com/
LT
