Kicker motor prop

[cnyh2ofowler]

Just bought a Suzuki 9.9 for trolling. It came with the standard 3 blade prop. I see a lot of guys have the four blade props on their trolling motors. What is the advantage of these props for trolling? 

[AnglingAddict]

A lot of guys are running larger diameter shallower pitch props for kickers.  Those props are better at pushing heavy loads at slower speeds.  Main advantage is better bite, more control,  and less prop slip as compared to a prop that is designed to operate at higher speeds.  Some specific kickers like the Yammy High Thrust or the Merc Bigfoots have a gearbox that has a lower gearing as well which helps.  

 

I swapped out a 3 blade OEM prop on my 9.9 merc 4 stroke that I use on my driftboat for a Solas Amita 4 blade in a 12" pitch versus the 16" pitch prop that came with the outboard - noticable difference in performance.  Boat is limited to about 7mph because its a non-planing hull and either prop could get me there but the 4 blade solas definitely moves a lot of water and keeps the boat on track.

[cnyh2ofowler]

Thanks for the info. I have a 19 foot Lowe and am replacing a 2006 Johnson 8 hp that was belt driven it was loud and vibrated like crazy. We are planning to fish on Sunday or Monday so we will see how the new motor pushes the boat.

[stinger]

On 4/24/2024 at 3:16 PM, AnglingAddict said:

 

 

I swapped out a 3 blade OEM prop on my 9.9 merc 4 stroke that I use on my driftboat for a Solas Amita 4 blade in a 12" pitch versus the 16" pitch prop that came with the outboard - noticable difference in performance.  

 

AA: What is the model# of the Solace four blade prop you use. I have a 2006 Merc 9.9 4 stroke with the stock three blade prop that I use as a kicker for trolling on my 19' glass boat.  Just wondering if a four blade will be better suited for 1.8-2.5 mph that I usually am trolling at.

[AnglingAddict]

10 hours ago, stinger said:

 

AA: What is the model# of the Solace four blade prop you use. I have a 2006 Merc 9.9 4 stroke with the stock three blade prop that I use as a kicker for trolling on my 19' glass boat.  Just wondering if a four blade will be better suited for 1.8-2.5 mph that I usually am trolling at.

Im on vacation right now but when I get back will grab it for you. 

[stinger]

Thanks. Enjoy your vacation.

[AnglingAddict]

I lied - not a 12 pitch.  Can’t remember what the OEM prop was but it was smaller with significantly more pitch.  Here’s what fit my 2023 merc 9.9 4-stroke.  (Not a Bigfoot motor)

[AnglingAddict]

Pushes my driftboat perfect at idle and was approx same size prop and pitch that was on my T9.9 high thrust that I had on a 21’ fishmaster.  Plenty of clearance between prop and anticavitation plate.  

Edited April 28 by AnglingAddict
Added image

[stinger]

Thanks for digging that up. The only info I have on my stock prop is "P 8.5" stamped on the back of one of the blades. The blades are cheap enough to experiment with. I spend more than that on vehicle and boat fuel for one trip.  I appreciate your help AA.

 

Not trying to steal your thread cnyh2ofowler. Someone may chime in on this and answer your question.

[lrg355]

My 2021 Suzuki 9.9 came with a 4 blade prop.

[cnyh2ofowler]

The 3 blade prop seems to be doing fine. Have fished 3 days with 2 planner boards and 3 riggers out and have had no problems. Troll master is working great, love the motor. May try the 4 blade prop when the bank account gets rebuilt. Thanks for all the advice.

[mr 580]

The Suzuki 9.9 models BTHL or BTHLW (white) have a high thrust 4 blade prop standard- Suzuki’s “pro-kicker’ spec model.   I have one on my Proline and it works well.  Previously I had a Yamaha 9.9 that ran for years with a 3 blade and that did the job too.  In most situations it would be hard to see a big difference IMO.

[AnglingAddict]

19 hours ago, mr 580 said:

The Suzuki 9.9 models BTHL or BTHLW (white) have a high thrust 4 blade prop standard- Suzuki’s “pro-kicker’ spec model.   I have one on my Proline and it works well.  Previously I had a Yamaha 9.9 that ran for years with a 3 blade and that did the job too.  In most situations it would be hard to see a big difference 

Edited May 7 by AnglingAddict

[AnglingAddict]

You will see the difference in rough seas.  Bigger prop has more bite and resists being pulled up out of the water - at same RPM a larger spinning prop will have greater overall stability.  

[stinger]

On 4/28/2024 at 1:19 PM, AnglingAddict said:

I lied - not a 12 pitch.  Can’t remember what the OEM prop was but it was smaller with significantly more pitch.  Here’s what fit my 2023 merc 9.9 4-stroke.  (Not a Bigfoot motor)

 

I bought the Solas prop and installed it on my 2006 Mercury 9.9 4 stroke kicker. Had it out fishing twice now and am sorry that I didn't do something like this long ago. Although the standard three blade prop worked I find that this prop gives my kicker better performance overall. There is less vibration, smoother running and better throttle control with the TrollMaster.  I have a 19' glass hardtop and run bags so the kicker will run at a higher rpm for better thrust and boat control.  Top boat speed (gps) is 4.5-5 mph with either prop. I too thought my stock prop was just fine until I replaced it.     At $67.00 from Amazon it is worth the try.  

 

Thanks AA for your recommendation.

[AnglingAddict]

On 5/31/2024 at 8:15 AM, stinger said:

 

I bought the Solas prop and installed it on my 2006 Mercury 9.9 4 stroke kicker. Had it out fishing twice now and am sorry that I didn't do something like this long ago. Although the standard three blade prop worked I find that this prop gives my kicker better performance overall. There is less vibration, smoother running and better throttle control with the TrollMaster.  I have a 19' glass hardtop and run bags so the kicker will run at a higher rpm for better thrust and boat control.  Top boat speed (gps) is 4.5-5 mph with either prop. I too thought my stock prop was just fine until I replaced it.     At $67.00 from Amazon it is worth the try.  

 

Thanks AA for your recommendation.

I'm glad it worked out for you - I too and happy with the performance of the Solas in my application.