Prop Pitch Question

Couple years ago I bought a new 2016/2017 Ranger Angler 1880. Put a Suzuki 175 four stroke on it. The boat came with a 25 pitch prop. It seemed a bit sluggish at top end and I swapped the prop with Ranger and they sent me a 21 pitch prop. Runs better but at 5900 rpm still can’t get over 43mph. Does this seem right? When I look at many boats at boat shows, including glass boats, I see most of them running 17 to 19 pitch props. Maybe I am too fussy…..

Suzuki outboards tend to run a lower (higher numerically) lower unit ratio than most other brands, so a 21″ pitch compared to others 17-19″ is about right.

HRG

You are running decent rpms. Don’t see much of a change. If you want hole shot you will loose top end. Most look for overall performance. Rangers are not known for speed just a great ride.

Maybe try raising the motor one hole to start. I have the same size boat but a stratos with a 200 and depending on the prop I get 59-60 MPH with a 21p tempest plus prop, too much lift and scary ride. Running a 21P viper prop I am at 54-55 MPH and much more stable ride. I would think with a 175 you should see high 40’s

Stratos Hull is not even close for comparison. Also another 25hp. Every brand motor runs differently exhaust ports etc. how is your hole shot? What are you trying to get. Just speed?

I agree with the stratos is a different hull but weight and size should be close. It is most likely a faster hull, but is it 15 mph faster or 10 mph safely faster with 25 more HP? A friend has the I think a 2014 1850 reatta with a 150 Merc 4 stroke and he says he is getting 46-48mph with what should be almost be the same hull. It seems unless he has a much bigger load than what I run or what the 1850 reatta is running something isn’t quite right. That is unless the guy with the reatta is full of crap as to his actual top speed. Which is entirely possible.

Should be in the upper 40’s.
My boat is an 1880 angler with a 150 mercury 4 stroke.
Stock motor height
19 p tempest 5450 rpms 46.5 mph
Raised motor height 1 hole
19 p tempest 5700 rpms 48.5 mph

17p rev 4 45 mph 5650

With your gear ratio (2.5) at 10% slip and 5900 rpms a 23 pitch would be 46-47mph. Try and return the 21 for a 23.

This is all good info so thanks. I am not as concerned about top end speed as I am wanting to make sure my motor is running efficiently and without excessive wear. I usually cruise at about 30mph as not in a big hurry even on Leech where I spend most of my time.
I recall when I first visited Ranger dealers a sales guy said Rangers were “dogs” at top end and a bit overpriced!!! Kind of a shocker to hear. I bought one anyway (from someone else) and just love this boat. Might have them pull it behind the hearse.