Hey there. Some newbie questions

[seanjohnston30]

Hi there.
Just started bass fishing with my son. We used to catch carp from the side (well at least we tried to).
Just recently bought a second hand bass boat. Crackleback 500 with 175hp suzuki 4 stroke. Question is that the boat really stuggles to get going. Might be that the prop is set for 1 person??? We have gone twice with 4 adults. Any suggestions wrt prop size??

Secondly, we fish vaal river and really really stuggle. We have caught 1 tiny bass. Any tips or tricks or suggestions for the vaal - close to the barrage side - would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Sean

[Jim_From_Zim]

Hi Sean

Welcome and welcome to the boat hole... :-)

I'm going to take a flyer that you dont need to change the set up on the boat at all. Rather reduce the amount of people on board to 2 pax and you'll be fine.
The prop discussion can go on for days and days, so rather try it with 2 people first then see what happens.

Vaal river - my favourite place to fish. Drop me a PM with your details and we can chat off line. I'll gladly give you hints and tips to the river.

Cheers
J_f_Z

[seanjohnston30]

Hi.
Thanks so much for the reply. Problem is that we are usually going to go fishing with at least 3 or 4 guys.

[Jim_From_Zim]

Then you'll have to go down in pitch - ie: You have a 23 pitch now, go down to a 21 pitch - meaning heavier boat will need finer pitch prop with same motor/hull set up. Just note you will loose top end speed with the finer pitch prop

Just becareful, what does your COF and Buoyancy certificate state as max persons on board? If only 2 then insurance might have a hissy if you have a claim - which in that case you might as well not change the prop :eusa_think:

[Riprap]

Welcome boet. Good advice from Jim and take him up on the Vaal offer.

Once you have ascertained the COF proviso, test the boat with full crew, fuel and livewell so that you get a true reflection of the performance you actually require. Maybe also contact Escape boating for advice on the boat motor setup and possibly also assistance.

[seanjohnston30]

Thanks so far,
I checked this weekend and it has a 27 prop. Seems very large for a 175 four stroke.
Its quite very sluggish on pull off, even with just myself and my son.

[Riprap]

Morning boet. You are correct that it seems quite large. Your motors max speed at wide open throttle is 6 100 rpm. What are you getting?

[Navrik]

I would appear you prop is spec'd for closer to sea leavel operations.

All our boats that ran fine here at the coast struggled up at the Vaal a few years ago.