Planning on getting a little smaller prop soon to get my 290 #'s and my cousins 400 lbs up on plan in the spring when my local river will be rolling hard. So after seeing your test I think I'll get the 4 blad but maybe a stainless one for my merc 60hp 4 stroke. My crappie boat has the 3 blade you have . It's a 1976 Monark(sp?) , 16 1/2 ft long by bottom of 56 inch . My bass boat has a 115 hp and with me and him in it , it loses a lot of performance and takes like 13 seconds to plan up . With just me and my gear the bass boat planes up instantly. For sure not more than 2 seconds. Wish I only had one boat to take care of but am grateful to have them both as Crappie fishing is my favorite style but like to fish for those bucket mouths too. Like to troll ( spider rig ) my crappie boat side ways a lot . But is just more comfortable on those long days anyway . Let you know after Santa Claus brings the new prop to me (if I've been good enough). Thanks for your channel. Keep it up . Been sharing yours with my friends.
The 4 blades are really just the only way to go on these smaller 50 HP - 75 HP Mercury's. The holeshot is lightning quick and the performance is still awesome. I'm able to trim my 60 HP with my Trophy Sport prop so sky high it's ridiculous. The advantage to running a 4 blade is that it can run as a surface piercing prop. With the right configuration you can get that outboard jacked up and trimmed out so high that you'll pick up an extra 2-3 MPH.
@@clearwaterfishing if you throw a jack plate on it you'll also be able to lift way up vertically as well. 😉 Seriously. My original prop to pad before any general engine lifting is 6.375". When I mount my engine up the way it used to be from the factory measured 5.625", and with the trophy sport prop I'm able to run in water with a new prop to pad measurements of 2.875" at plane speed and I picked up a GPS measured 2.3 mph additional to what it was originally running. I legitimately love the 4 blade props now!
Thanks for taking time to do this video. I’m researching props and specifically the Black Max vs the Spitfire so the info was very useful. Because of that, I’m subscribing so that I can learn more from you. I like that your narrative was straight forward and without gimmicky time wasting content.
Good useful info, I was checking my top speed yesterday with the vessel view on a 2019 Tracker Classic and 50hp the water and conditions appear to be the same just made one run and normally not the WOT type guy but it logged 33mph @ 5490 I did have a little more throttle but not sure of max rpm did not want to push it. Purchased the boat used but it appears to be the factory prop and can not make out the size the foot has a sticker for reference that shows 12X22 and it is a Blackmax. I know yours will have more weight but given your video and what my boat just run besides just having a spare onboard for boo-boos I happy with the performance part. Thanks for taking the time to research this because the 4 blade was my next stop.
Awesome man! I believe the 40-60 hp four stroke have a max RPM of 6000. You guardian system will protect you, but it is worth the look up. On the backside of the Blackmax will have a stamp with the pitch (14P) along with some other number. You will have to remove the prop to see it. I bet you can get 37-38 mph with yours if max rpm is 6000.
I'm not sure exactly how it works I own the same boat but an earlier model with the 42 stroke that I've done some performance modes too but 6000 RPM is 6000 RP m's it's all you're gonna get out of it pretty much the same speed if you're hitting 6000 RP m's you're hitting the same opera hour every time I think changing props really only benefits whole shots time to plane but overall mile per hour usually is dictated by the RP m's of the motor
On smaller motors like the 60hp I'm testing, you are correct. But when you start to reach higher speeds different props can hit the same rpms and have different speeds by 3-7 mph. Why? Prop slip.
my tracker classic w/50hp and a 4 blade, 15p, 10.1 diameter, 120+ lbs fishing gear, (3) group 27, (2) 12" unit + me = 34 mph WOT & 30mph sweet spot .... wait till I get a 60hp ECU and 16p or 17p 🍺
I went with a spitfire x7 4 blade on my 75hp I chose this over the 3 blade aluminum because on turns I would get prop blowout and the boat would jump sideways with the 4 blade wot a full sharp turn solid no prop wash out It did slow me down from 40 to 36 but I never run wot anyway.
Enjoyed the video James I too am from Alabama. Just bought my first bass tracker mine is the 1982 BassTracker II 16’ with a 1985 mercury 2 cylinder 40 hp had it a month and I already want the 18 footer needs some trim man 🤣 hook set tip up ur line tight friends
The cup is only on the trailing edge of the blade and from the root to near the tip tunes the pitch and cupping at the tip controls the rake of the prop. That curvature of the entire blade isn't the cup that we refer to when tuning the prop.
I just bought a Tracker pro 170 with 50 Merc. I just came up on your video while searching for spitfire propeller performance. You did a wonderful job in the setup and testing of both propellers. I fish mostly smaller Southeastern reservoirs less than 10k acres. I definitely am going to purchase a spare propeller, and your tests have convinced me to try the 4 blade. I also noticed how my black max loses bite in choppy rough water. Thanks again for an outstanding performance comparison. Great job, and great video.
The guys in my bass club are running the spitfire prop in 15-inc pitch on their trackers w 60 hp 4-stroke engines. They get better hole shots, have better control and gained speed on the top end.
@@clearwaterfishing They claim 5700 to 5800 based on how their boat is loaded. I have at 2017 Tracker TXW with a 75 hp 4-stroke, glad I upgraded. Engine curises easily at 35 mph, top end is 40 to 42 based on how choppy the lake is.
@@clearwaterfishing 17 pitch spitfire--lost speed, but much better hole shot while fully loaded, improved fuel ecomomy and better handling are worth it. The 60 horse is all anyone needs; the salesman gave me a discount on a boat with a 75 because it had carpet damage.
Plus don’t forget the aluminum prop will always outperform the stainless prop as they weigh a lot less and that makes a huge difference on small cc engines like this
@@clearwaterfishing thanks for video i was gonna give 3grand plus my 2021 50hp for a 60. You just saved me some bucks. I think ill just put another year on 50 since its so close. I am running a 13p. Maybe those few extra rpm are getting me more speed even though its lower geared.
@@clearwaterfishing I’m trying to get my boat propped for 3500 feet I have a 17 foot fisher 75 hp merc. With a 14x13p prop I’m only getting 23 mph at 5100 rpm’s.!! Not so good☹️
I have the same exact boat with a 75hp Merc and mine is no faster. What I can't stand is that they have used the same 2.1 L block that they use for a 115 and just detune the computer to limit the revs. My rpms never go above 4500 no matter what prop I use and I have tried 3 and four blades from 15 pitch to 19 pitch.
You should hit 40-42 mpg with a 75 hp. I looks like you aren't getting the full 75 hp or the prop to pad is wrong by a lot. Check the prop to pad and if it is more than 3-4" then go through the motor. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel system, etc. I am assuming that is trimmed up 4500 rpms.
@@clearwaterfishing @Clear Water Fishing Boat went to the dealer 9 times and an independent once. That is all this package will do. Mercury claims that the sorry performance is still within their tolerance, whatever that means. Talked to another guy with the same 75hp package and his is the same as mine. Rev limiting keeps the motor from reaching it's potential and I have never seen 5000rpms in spite of moving the motor mount holes, and 5 different props both 3 blade and four.
Your motor is a newer model 4 stroke 75hp and you're only getting 4500 RPMs? I have a bit heavier boat (I think), 15'5 fiberglass tri hull. 2021 75hp mercury, 15" stainless spitfire, motor hits 5500 RPMs at WOT.. 38mph and motor trimmed a smidge... I trim up any more it sits on Rev limiter, about 5650-5700 RPMs
@@000distructzero Mine is a 2019 75. Mercury Marine was asked for assistance and both myself and the dealer were told that is all the performance that some of them will do. I will buy a different brand next time.
Dealer told me that the Mercury would not have the power to push the steel as it is so much heavier. My Mercury four stroke is the most gutless motor that I ever owned.
Which prop do you want to use?
I am speed! So the three blade is for me.
Everybody wants speed.
Go down in pitch on the 4 blade to get full rpm. They tend to have more grip. It may not go faster but it will jump on plane.
Planning on getting a little smaller prop soon to get my 290 #'s and my cousins 400 lbs up on plan in the spring when my local river will be rolling hard. So after seeing your test I think I'll get the 4 blad but maybe a stainless one for my merc 60hp 4 stroke. My crappie boat has the 3 blade you have . It's a 1976 Monark(sp?) , 16 1/2 ft long by bottom of 56 inch . My bass boat has a 115 hp and with me and him in it , it loses a lot of performance and takes like 13 seconds to plan up . With just me and my gear the bass boat planes up instantly. For sure not more than 2 seconds. Wish I only had one boat to take care of but am grateful to have them both as Crappie fishing is my favorite style but like to fish for those bucket mouths too. Like to troll ( spider rig ) my crappie boat side ways a lot . But is just more comfortable on those long days anyway . Let you know after Santa Claus brings the new prop to me (if I've been good enough). Thanks for your channel. Keep it up . Been sharing yours with my friends.
Thanks man! Weight makes a huge difference on any boat. Think about reducing your tackle you carry and the amount of fuel.
Used to get 35 mph out of mine with the 3 blade......then I bought more tackle. 😅 Thanks for this video! Sticking with the blackmax for now.
Right on!
The 4 blades are really just the only way to go on these smaller 50 HP - 75 HP Mercury's. The holeshot is lightning quick and the performance is still awesome. I'm able to trim my 60 HP with my Trophy Sport prop so sky high it's ridiculous. The advantage to running a 4 blade is that it can run as a surface piercing prop. With the right configuration you can get that outboard jacked up and trimmed out so high that you'll pick up an extra 2-3 MPH.
I definitely remember being able to trim WAY up!
@@clearwaterfishing if you throw a jack plate on it you'll also be able to lift way up vertically as well. 😉 Seriously.
My original prop to pad before any general engine lifting is 6.375". When I mount my engine up the way it used to be from the factory measured 5.625", and with the trophy sport prop I'm able to run in water with a new prop to pad measurements of 2.875" at plane speed and I picked up a GPS measured 2.3 mph additional to what it was originally running. I legitimately love the 4 blade props now!
The Spitfire cost about $250 and you got 1 mph more out of it. So I don’t see why someone would spend that much money.
Thanks for taking time to do this video. I’m researching props and specifically the Black Max vs the Spitfire so the info was very useful. Because of that, I’m subscribing so that I can learn more from you. I like that your narrative was straight forward and without gimmicky time wasting content.
Thanks man! I hope I have more helpful videos for you.
I liked and subscibed..subscribed... question.. can is just bolt a 75 up on my 16,' deep v tracker .. is the bolt patterns the same..
Probably but what is your boat rated for? and want to make sure you get the correct shaft length.
Good useful info, I was checking my top speed yesterday with the vessel view on a 2019 Tracker Classic and 50hp the water and conditions appear to be the same just made one run and normally not the WOT type guy but it logged 33mph @ 5490 I did have a little more throttle but not sure of max rpm did not want to push it. Purchased the boat used but it appears to be the factory prop and can not make out the size the foot has a sticker for reference that shows 12X22 and it is a Blackmax.
I know yours will have more weight but given your video and what my boat just run besides just having a spare onboard for boo-boos I happy with the performance part. Thanks for taking the time to research this because the 4 blade was my next stop.
Awesome man! I believe the 40-60 hp four stroke have a max RPM of 6000. You guardian system will protect you, but it is worth the look up.
On the backside of the Blackmax will have a stamp with the pitch (14P) along with some other number. You will have to remove the prop to see it. I bet you can get 37-38 mph with yours if max rpm is 6000.
I have a 115hp and my top is 40mph
What is the size of the spitfire 4 blade? Is it a 10.1 x 14?
I'm not sure exactly how it works I own the same boat but an earlier model with the 42 stroke that I've done some performance modes too but 6000 RPM is 6000 RP m's it's all you're gonna get out of it pretty much the same speed if you're hitting 6000 RP m's you're hitting the same opera hour every time I think changing props really only benefits whole shots time to plane but overall mile per hour usually is dictated by the RP m's of the motor
On smaller motors like the 60hp I'm testing, you are correct. But when you start to reach higher speeds different props can hit the same rpms and have different speeds by 3-7 mph. Why? Prop slip.
my tracker classic w/50hp and a 4 blade, 15p, 10.1 diameter, 120+ lbs fishing gear, (3) group 27, (2) 12" unit + me = 34 mph WOT & 30mph sweet spot
.... wait till I get a 60hp ECU and 16p or 17p 🍺
Those classic are a bit lighter than the pro teams, I think.
I went with a spitfire x7 4 blade on my 75hp I chose this over the 3 blade aluminum because on turns I would get prop blowout and the boat would jump sideways with the 4 blade wot a full sharp turn solid no prop wash out It did slow me down from 40 to 36 but I never run wot anyway.
Enjoyed the video James I too am from Alabama. Just bought my first bass tracker mine is the 1982 BassTracker II 16’ with a 1985 mercury 2 cylinder 40 hp had it a month and I already want the 18 footer needs some trim man 🤣 hook set tip up ur line tight friends
Great video,very usefull.
Thank,s for taking time to make this video.
🇧🇻🇧🇻🇧🇻
The cup is only on the trailing edge of the blade and from the root to near the tip tunes the pitch and cupping at the tip controls the rake of the prop. That curvature of the entire blade isn't the cup that we refer to when tuning the prop.
I didn’t know that. Nice to learn something new.
I just bought a Tracker pro 170 with 50 Merc. I just came up on your video while searching for spitfire propeller performance. You did a wonderful job in the setup and testing of both propellers. I fish mostly smaller Southeastern reservoirs less than 10k acres. I definitely am going to purchase a spare propeller, and your tests have convinced me to try the 4 blade. I also noticed how my black max loses bite in choppy rough water.
Thanks again for an outstanding performance comparison. Great job, and great video.
Dam good information good video bro
Thank you sir! I hope this video helped you.
The guys in my bass club are running the spitfire prop in 15-inc pitch on their trackers w 60 hp 4-stroke engines. They get better hole shots, have better control and gained speed on the top end.
How many rpms did they drop?
@@clearwaterfishing They claim 5700 to 5800 based on how their boat is loaded. I have at 2017 Tracker TXW with a 75 hp 4-stroke, glad I upgraded. Engine curises easily at 35 mph, top end is 40 to 42 based on how choppy the lake is.
@@johngarner9929 I keep my boat pretty loaded at all times. What prop are you running on your 75hp?
@@clearwaterfishing 17 pitch spitfire--lost speed, but much better hole shot while fully loaded, improved fuel ecomomy and better handling are worth it. The 60 horse is all anyone needs; the salesman gave me a discount on a boat with a 75 because it had carpet damage.
Plus don’t forget the aluminum prop will always outperform the stainless prop as they weigh a lot less and that makes a huge difference on small cc engines like this
Speed is more consistent with the 3 blade but I think the 4 blade got on plane quicker and a little better holeshot
Great job doing the testing you did a really good job thorough execution good video
Thanks man! I appreciate your comment. This type of video takes a lot of effort to make.
I get the same speed with a 40hp 2 stroke on a 96 pro team 17 with a 3 blade
What is the OEM model number for the 4 blade prop?
Im getting 33 from my 50hp with 13p vengeance weird the 60 is slower
My only thoughts are load differences.
@@clearwaterfishing thanks for video i was gonna give 3grand plus my 2021 50hp for a 60. You just saved me some bucks. I think ill just put another year on 50 since its so close. I am running a 13p. Maybe those few extra rpm are getting me more speed even though its lower geared.
I put 115 hp optimax mercury used get more power speed
You will definitely get it with a 115. My hull is only rated for 75.
Did you end up taking the hydrofoil off?
What elevation are you at?
Thank you for your test😎
You are welcome. I’m at 2600’. Hope that helps.
@@clearwaterfishing
I’m trying to get my boat propped for 3500 feet
I have a 17 foot fisher 75 hp merc. With a 14x13p prop I’m only getting 23 mph at 5100 rpm’s.!!
Not so good☹️
@@larrymurillo3360 how is your trim? Sounds like a trim or not getting full throttle. Is your boy heavy?
@@clearwaterfishing
Yes I trim it up as soon as it get on plane 1/3 spray and the boat is light. All aluminum
I have the same exact boat with a 75hp Merc and mine is no faster. What I can't stand is that they have used the same 2.1 L block that they use for a 115 and just detune the computer to limit the revs. My rpms never go above 4500 no matter what prop I use and I have tried 3 and four blades from 15 pitch to 19 pitch.
You should hit 40-42 mpg with a 75 hp. I looks like you aren't getting the full 75 hp or the prop to pad is wrong by a lot. Check the prop to pad and if it is more than 3-4" then go through the motor. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel system, etc. I am assuming that is trimmed up 4500 rpms.
@@clearwaterfishing @Clear Water Fishing Boat went to the dealer 9 times and an independent once.
That is all this package will do. Mercury claims that the sorry performance is still within their tolerance, whatever that means.
Talked to another guy with the same 75hp package and his is the same as mine. Rev limiting keeps the motor from reaching it's potential and I have never seen 5000rpms in spite of moving the motor mount holes, and 5 different props both 3 blade and four.
Your motor is a newer model 4 stroke 75hp and you're only getting 4500 RPMs?
I have a bit heavier boat (I think), 15'5 fiberglass tri hull.
2021 75hp mercury, 15" stainless spitfire, motor hits 5500 RPMs at WOT.. 38mph and motor trimmed a smidge... I trim up any more it sits on Rev limiter, about 5650-5700 RPMs
@@000distructzero Mine is a 2019 75. Mercury Marine was asked for assistance and both myself and the dealer were told that is all the performance that some of them will do. I will buy a different brand next time.
Those are awesome motors ...
She treated me well!
Yuuuuuup! That’s the way!
How fast does your 75 hp go?
@@clearwaterfishing had it topped on a good day at 41mph stock prop.
@@BentRodBassin Speed!
💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
💪💪💪
Why not a stainless steel 3 blade prop?
It would provide more speed and hole shot but man… they are expensive to be pushing a bass track a couple mph faster.
Dealer told me that the Mercury would not have the power to push the steel as it is so much heavier. My Mercury four stroke is the most gutless motor that I ever owned.
Did you run that boat thru a gravel pit??? Those props are totally beat...