The best way to measure prop to pad

Started by Rich Boger, September 20, 2004, 05:33:51 PM

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Rich Boger

Level your trailer on a level surface if possible.  Then trim your motor straight up and down/level the cav plate.  Then measure from the center of the prop shaft to the ground.  Next, measure from the pad to the ground.  The difference is your prop to pad measurement.   On most bass rigs the best starting point for a 3 blade is 3.5" and 3" for a 4 blade.  A water pressure gage is essential.
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Mike Cork

Great post, I was out earlier trying to figure out how to lay a level surface along the bottom of my pad long enough to get a straight shot off the back of the pad and then to the motor, but then if you look the pad is slanted so that wasn't going to work. It's the old K I S S theroy. Keep it simple stupid. Two measurements and you know exact.

The 3 -3.5 rule? has it been your experience that the final adjustments will usually leave you in this area? I guess that would be a dumb question if you suggest starting here. I guess I am wondering if this is usually a little low to be on the safe side to start with.

Fishing is more than just a hobby

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Rich Boger

That would be it Mike, I like starting in safe zones.  Every boat is different so the final set up----water pressure and lift permitting could be 2" on a 4 blade or 2.5" on a 3.  I typically start at one of my starting points, then go up until I lose speed, gain rpm, and lose lift all at the same time---then drop her a half inch and that is usually dead on the money if the prop is right.
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Mike Cork

Just for everyone on the board - When it comes to having you rework or build a prop for someone what kind of information should we have readily available when we call? Are there things that we might need to really pay attention to while on the water the trip out before calling? Granted most people will know exactly what their boat is doing in terms of basic performance, but are there things that you ask that people commonly go "Hmmm I'm not sure about that".

Fishing is more than just a hobby

Dobyns Rods - Monster Fishing Tackle
Cork's Reel Service

dave the dope man

Rich, I just made a measurement per your instructions (did it twice to be sure) I have 6.5 inches prop to pad. Ithen measured the space between bolt hole on the Jack plate and have 3/4 inch center to center on the bolt holes. Should I raise it by one and see which would make it 5 and 3/4 inch, or by two which would make it 5 inches, or go ahead and make it an even 3 inches by raising it to your starting height. I have a State tournament this weekend and would like to have it ready by then, Also any hints on raising the outboard "safely" without the "equipment"?   Thanks in advance    Dave  :help:

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left_turn56

Ignorance rears it ugly head again...what exactly is the pad? Does the SeaSpite even have one? Also, my motor has those add on fins (Doel Fin?). what does it do, and do I need it?
thanks
Left_turn56

Where are we going...and why are we in this hand basket???

Rich Boger

Mike, I try to keep a very low profile on forums when it comes to actively discussing business, I always have tried to do that as an email or phone thing.  That being said there is a form on my web site titled Required information that pretty much covers all bases.  Rpm at WOT is by far the most important thing because that tells if the prop is close enough to being right to make any changes with.  It does seem that WOT rpm is the one thing that gets forgot more often than any thing else.  LOL  Lastly, problems are always important----not lifting, blowing out, or sliding through curves---that type of thing because those areas can be corrected.
Hammer Time!   BogerProps.com

Rich Boger

Dave, why don't you start a new post and tell me what you have and we'll work on this one on one.  If you are set that low and have the correct rpm now you will be needing to change props if you get the height set where it should be because of excess rpm's.  Without the proper equipment there is no "safe" way to remount a motor.  It is possible you could borrow the necessary equipment from your dealer for your motor though.
Sea Spite, the pad is the running surface of a performance boat.  Fins of any type are attached to cav plates to assist with holeshot issues and to hole a boat on top at lower rpm.  If the prop is not doing its job in that area then they can be greatly helpful.
Hammer Time!   BogerProps.com

dave the dope man

Thanks for responding Rich, I'll start a new thread entitled Proper performance set-up. .............Dave

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stratos bandit

See attached

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Mike Cork


Fishing is more than just a hobby

Dobyns Rods - Monster Fishing Tackle
Cork's Reel Service

stratos bandit

I thought it would make it easier to see how to take the measurements