Bass Fishing Oct 2017 | Page 40

TAKEOFF
BOAT RIGGING

THE SPIN ON PROPS

ACHIEVE MAXIMUM OUTBOARD PERFORMANCE BY CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROP By Joe Balog
PHOTOS BY MATT PACE

Abass boat ’ s prop is a critical component for achieving optimal performance . In the old days , the rule for choosing props was simple : Run a three-blade prop for speed and a four-blade prop in big water or on boats needing a helping hand to get on plane .

Today ’ s bass boats are larger and much heavier than ever before , with add-ons such as shallow-water anchors , huge jack plates and up to four massive batteries to accommodate 36-volt trolling motor systems adding to the total . Correspondingly , props have changed , too , with manufacturers producing more and better products .
So how do we determine what prop is best for our boat ? It ’ s all about the science behind the spin .
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FLWFISHING . COM I OCTOBER 2017