Any ideas on what prop would be the best all around prop/pitch on an 86′ Lund Pro Pike 14′ w/1987 Merc 35 HP (LS) tiller? Empty hull is aprx 360lbs. Currently has a 13 inch-not sure of the pitch, but worried about the RPM’s wide open. No tach yet. Used mainly for fishing & pulling kids on tube on lake/no current.
Props can be tricky without a tach. Finding a balance on your outboard for pulling and general fishing may be difficult without one. Remember the lower the pitch number, the more power you’ll have to pull. Problem is you will slow the top end speed AND increase your wide open throttle RPM (which could result in redlining the motor).
Mercury’s website does provide a prop pitch calculator. It will ask you to enter the weight of your boat, personal gear fuel and the motor. Don’t use the maximum possible weights. use the average (half of a tank of fuel, two passengers, not three). It will also ask you the type of use you have. From there it will recommend a prop.
You also should find the prop pitch you have now so you have a starting point. The pitch is usually inside the hub near the prop nut, or on the outside perimeter of the hub. 13 x 17P would be a 13″ diameter x 17 pitch prop.
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