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propping tunnel skiffs

7K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  NLW352 
#1 ·
new member, first post.

Recently re-powered my HPXT with a 60 zuke, the skiff had formerly been pushed by a 60 yami, high-thrust, powertech SCD 13.5x14 4bl

the zuke currently has an 11.5 x 14 4bl. The performance is horrendous.

My concern is that i will not be able to find a large enough wheel for the Zuke to make the boat perform similar to the yami set-up.

Unfortunately for me i was unaware that zuke had a larger ratio available in the 60 before purchasing, i probably would have opted for it over the standard foot.

Does any one run a relatively heavy tunnel skiff with a 12" wheel that they are happy with? I have a ton of throttle left with the current set up and i can easily blow the prop out with the motor trimmed all the way down and jack plate at the bottom. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
#4 ·
i am worried that just adding more cup without increasing surface area will still make the skiff struggle running the plate at a high setting in the disturbed water. My last prop on the yami is a monster compared to the zuke and i could run the plate up to 6 while still maintaining good throttle response, never loosing bite. Let me know what happens if you just add cupping, i also believe your chittum tunnel is much narrower than the mav, you might be able to get by with just adding cupping.
 
#12 ·
Foreman is probably the way to go but if not the PT SWC is the prop for a tunnel. Not the highest speed prop but a lot of cup so can run the motor way high and still get a monster hole shot. I have SWC 3 and 4 blades and keep swapping them out but seem to like the 4 blade best. I have a waterman 16 with tohatsu 50. 33 to 34 mph loaded with 2 men.
 
#15 ·
Agree with DevRep. The SWW 4 blade powertech is a great prop for high lift and grip. I have tested several different props on an 18' waterman/60HP 4 stk yamaha and this was best overall prop; only lost approx 2mph coming from a 3 blade REB powertech.

I have run one of Jack's 3 blade props on same boat and it was just too much blade surface and too much added diameter vs the SWW. Never could get any decent speed vs the SWW; max of 25mph with Jack's. Probably could have sent it back for adjustment but didn't want to bother after running the SWW.
 
#16 ·
i have the sww3/14 from chittum now and it is not right. they do not have their props right for these tunnel hulls still working on them for both tohatsu and yamaha. bauman is about to work on mine and i have call into jack but his mailbox is full. I am sending viper 13 7/8 x15 off my stilt to bauman to modify. anxious to get them back
 
#18 ·
Jack is in his mid 60’s, loves to fish as much as we do and has some health problems. After dealing with other prop shops then Jack I’d go with Jack again even though he can be hard to get in touch with. I guess that’s the beauty of living 30 minutes away. He usually nails the prop the first time and second for sure.
When you go see Louie tell him I said hey, he will get a kick out of it.
 
#17 ·
There's nothing wrong with the motor. You just need the right prop not a bigger wheel
I have a 13 1/4 x 15 on my big Zuke 4 stroke
My big fat boat runs about 40 with it. I usually cruise 28-30 mph
Propcopropellers.com 770-267-9425
Talk to Peter you don't have to buy his prop but he'll help you
Me and my other micro skiff friends have his props. One has a tunnel Sterling
 
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#19 ·
After talking with Blackdog and other Mosquito owners, I called Jack and he had a prop in my hands in maybe 2 weeks. Just added a full Shaw Wing cav plate, raised the motor way up and have yet to test it but from what I'm hearing, it should be a big improvement over the PT the BT came with.
 
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#27 ·
Finally ran/ broke in the new Zuk motor with the lower ratio, 4blade 14" dia x 16"p Solas, WORLDS different. Still can use tweaking and finessing but its definitely the right move for that boat. Hopefully this post will help anyone putting a new motor on an HPXT.
 
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