[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by lumbercitybravest

I didn't get the smart tabs yet and my overall concern is getting out of the hole and on plane.

But that is precisely what the Smart Tabs will do for you and by installing them, you dont have to play with the prop pitch as much.

Originally Posted by lumbercitybravest

In theory, lets say you went down to a 17 inch pitch....it would rev beyond the wot range, but you can utilize the throttle to keep it down to 4700-4800? As opposed to a 20, which at wot only achieves 4300 with the hammer down....the prop is aluminum

Doesn't quite work that way. Just because you dont run at WOT (which with a 17 should have you around 4900-5000) doesn't mean you aren't using more fuel than you should be. By dropping the prop pitch you increase the rpms throughout the entire acceleration range which in effect means your engine is running at a higher rpm than it should to achieve the same speeds and thus using more fuel. I think that if you install the Smart Tabs, they will provide some stern lift which gets you on plane faster and creates less drag in your arse (of course so would a few less Big Macs ) which in theory should add up to 2 mph at WOT. They are the closest thing to "the best of both worlds" that i've seen to date. See if your boat shop has a 19" - 4 blade that you can try as well as the 18" you were thinking of.

[lumbercitybravest]

I'm tellin ya mikey, that poutine is like edible gold! Thanks for the replies gents, once I get the smart tabs installed I will pay him a visit and match the prop perfectly

[Andy b]

Don't underestimate the effect Smart tabs will have on your boat. it's like a Mariah was made for them.
And as for the pitching of your prop, think about it like this.
it's like changing the wheels on your truck. if you put smaller wheels on it you would get higher revs on your engine but you wouldn't go any faster. in fact probably slower!
And if you put bigger wheels on it the engine would struggle of the line but would eventually run on to a higher top speed at lower revs, if the engine could turn the wheels at higher rev's that is.
it's a case of finding that sweet spot for your setup and how you like to drive the boat.

so my advice would be as the guys have said, get the tabs on then find out how you want to change the way the boat drives. getting the stern out of the water make a lot of difference to the way these boats performs

This is me with tabs on, I know my boat is smaller and lighter than yours, but I also have less power.
running straight and level

yes I know i'v posted this picture before

[lumbercitybravest]

Andy I watched that video you posted and i really like the way you boat rides and sounds. Seems like it just rips across the water. I am currently in the process of looking at the tabs. Although with this sh*t weather were having I haven't been out on the water much lately anyway...

[Andy b]

Well it's 27*c/80*f here in sunny Southampton UK.
Can't get out today but gona make dam sure the boat gets wet tomorrow