Prop Setup

[Scott]

I have a 4JHTE motor with a 2.17 drive gear on my Hunter 45 Legend. The max-prop that is installed only allows the engine to rev to a maximum of 3100 rpm at a hull speed (8.5 knots) in smooth water. I would think that I should change the pitch on the prop to allow the engine run faster. The literature I have states maximum hp is 55 at 3600 rpm. Is this what I should try to achieve or is there a different maximum speed for this engine?

 

[Justin Wolfe/PYI]

You have it right

Scott,You have the spec right on your engine. You should be able to get near 3600 rpms. It sounds like you have 2 degrees too much pitch in your propeller. The rule of thumb is that if you change pitch by 2 degrees (roughly 1") you will change the rpms by 13%. Well.... Adding 13% to 3100 gives you 3500 and that would be real good. So change the pitch down 2 degrees and you'll be all set.