Propeller Upgrade on Tracker Pro 170

Installation and test of a Stainless Steel prop on my Bass Tracker Pro 170

[@GmanfromTexas]

Update on this video. I did bend the shaft a bit hitting that floater. So after I had it fixed I went back to aluminum prop.

[@jdnotariano]

Thanks for the demo, I will just stick with aluminum based on your experience.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Good choice!

[@jimmielittle877]

Ooo stainless really pretty too 🌺

[@GmanfromTexas]

THanks

[@stephenbeaver2035]

I am impress, Very nice upgrade!

[@GmanfromTexas]

Thanks!

[@papocintron6420]

I replaced mine with aluminum because here in Puerto Rico we have a lot of submerged rocks. Stainless steel props bend shafts.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Actually I went back to aluminum also. Because the SS prop was so strong I bent my shaft when I hit a floating log with it

[@CastingandPraying]

Great video Thank you

[@GmanfromTexas]

Glad you liked it!

[@jameslakes5019]

😮iiii did same thing river hit tree stump and Herrington lake hit lower unit tore up pickup tube carberator marineer 25 hp electric start got upgrade 50 hp tiller Johnson bombarder tilt power trim electric start push button 74 pound trust trolling motor motorguide used 😊

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great upgrade.

[@jamesblackledge4009]

I have the 2021 Tracker Pro 170 with the Merc 50. I get 39 top speed with my boat. Are you trimming the motor up any once on plane? It will give you around 6200 rpm and 38-39 mph with the stock prop. if you trim it up.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Yes I trim up until maximum rpm. It gives me a top speed of 32 mph

[@osiyooverland]

what pitch prop?

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@osiyooverland it’s a 10.5 X 13 so the pitch is 13

[@jameslakes5019]

4 strokes heavy upgraded 75 hp 2 stroke mercury on 170 bass tracker got rod storage is must

[@jameslakes5019]

Love cover my tundra hybrid v6 pulls boat gets 25 mpg pull boat compare dodge ram 1500 v8 hemi gets 8mpg city 15 mpg highway mpg

[@GmanfromTexas]

I had to turn in my leased 4 runner last week. Had to downsize to a Highlander 4 cylinders. Because of cost. I’m praying that it can pull my 170 ok. We’ll see next week

[@amsully3352]

That flimsy aluminum prop will keep u from damage to lower unit wen hitting stumps !

[@GmanfromTexas]

Right? That’s what I say

[@bcroft68bc]

I see that you went back to aluminum but I wanted to ask if the stainless steel prop help plane the boat faster and did you gain any top end speed. I’ve got this same motor and boat (except my boat is blue) and I’m thinking about going with this prop or the Mercury Vengeance prop.

[@GmanfromTexas]

With the SS prop I did get an extra 3 miles per hour more And I felt the boat got on plane a little quicker. Many boaters here in East TX have gone to an SS prop and they swear it is much better and durable for them. Maybe it was just bad luck with mine. I just thought that $130 Aluminum prop was going to be better than another $300 bent shaft repair or worse.

[@bcroft68bc]

@@GmanfromTexas I fish a couple of lakes and one river around here. The river is at the top end of a Bay before the water turns to salt water. It I were to a few miles up from where I fish the river, I would be in danger of stumps on logs, but the river is extremely clean where I fish it.

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@bcroft68bc I’m sure the SS prop would be great for you. The lake I fish was a forest that was flooded by the army corps of engineers. Specially for Bass habitat. There’s more trees and stumps than water.

[@jimmielittle877]

I'd keep stainless prop with 3 mph,(faster and quicker)🏁

[@father_dev]

Some of the SS props have a "sacrificial" center that will snap in a hard impact. Idea is they break before the prop shaft does.

[@GmanfromTexas]

That’s right. For some reason mine didn’t snap. Instead the shaft bent. It was weird.

[@anonimous596]

@@GmanfromTexas could it have been over torqued? 55 isn't really that much maybe that kept the pin from breaking

[@GmanfromTexas]

I know but mine still bent the shaft. It must have been a substandard prop.

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@anonimous596 that just might be what happened. I didn’t use a torque wrench

[@anonimous596]

@@GmanfromTexas very cheap at harbor freight..... I use them for anything that gives a spec.

[@jameslakes5019]

😅 how much does cost i got 2 extra aluminum props off used 50hp now prop got 75 hp 2 stroke with Jack plate mercury going 7 mph faster aluminum

[@GmanfromTexas]

I want to say about 170 bucks for the SS Prop vs 80 bucks for the aluminum

[@dmvfishindeva5979]

Gman, have you ever had start up problems with your bass tracker? I have a 2017 bass tracker 170 that wont start, charged up all 3 batteries and still nothing. Was wondering if you every had any start issue. All of my electronics work except my engine.

[@GmanfromTexas]

No problems here then again is a new boat. I have the 50 hp Mercury. It’s a four stroke. Four strokes usually just need the proper mixture of gas , air and spark and starts right up as long as there’s no electrical brake between the kill switch or the gear handle.

[@Thriller2200]

DMV, I have the 2018 170 and I don't have any issues starting at all. Even after sitting for Months, it hits on the first try with NO issues. You may have a problem with your motor.

[@cajuncoonass9881]

did you void your warranty by adding a power pole. I am in the process of getting a PT175TXW and that's what they are telling me.

[@GmanfromTexas]

You know I’m not sure. By drilling four holes on the transom it might void the warranty as far as the transom goes but I’ve own boats all my life and have never had a reason for a warranty claim. Usually whatever happens is not covered anyway. I opt for the convenience and comfort of the pole.

[@cajuncoonass9881]

I like the power pole to, but they are saying if I mount it will void the warranty. Has to do with the pole being deployed and the tension it puts on the transom when moving back and forth due to tides etc. You would think they would address that issues.

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@cajuncoonass9881 i hear you. I believe you. They will do anything to void the Warrantee and avoid responsibility. First the pole does have a little bit of flexibility. Second I’m sure that the engine puts a lot more pressure on the transom when you hit full throttle than a little sway from the waves. Thirdly you use the pole in shallow, calmer waters. So if you bake the structure Warrantee a lot don’t put one on but I prefer the comfort and convenience of the power pole. Now I’m not going to anchor the pole under high wave condition. I don’t even go out in those conditions.

[@willbillyheaven]

That stainless will not give or break like the aluminum prop HOWEVER... that means your lower end will take much more of the impact and that could be a lot more expensive to repair.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Yes sir. I did bent the shaft on a floater down the boat lane. I as hauling ass which I never do. So I went back to the aluminum black max

[@danmcgovern9564]

next time NO MUSIC just the sound of the engine!

[@GmanfromTexas]

You’re right. It the engine sound would have been more telling of the results. Good advice for the next video. Thanks

[@anonimous596]

do you have the part numbers for the aluminum one? is it the stock replacement? dealer wants 300+ for a new one I just want a spare Im pretty happy with my speed 35 + on stock set up - just want a spare

[@GmanfromTexas]

This is the one I purchased: Mercury Marine Black Max 3-Blade Aluminum Propeller 10-1/2 x 13 Pitch www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDQ7TUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y9C498CTBKA7GHQ867NF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Part #. 816704A45

[@anonimous596]

@@GmanfromTexas thanks!!! that looks like the stock one comes with all parts needed? mine says 'black max' on it so I think it is the same one. I remember having to change them when we had boats a long time ago and everyone always saying carry a spare prop and wrench to change it. Im very happy with my speed and performance with the stock prop and 50hp I get to 35 + at about 6k rpm thats fast enough for this little boat. --- does it come with all parts????? I also want to know where you got the trailer rollers looks like that would help reloading a lot

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@anonimous596 yes the prop comes with everything. The rollers I also got from Amazon. Here’s the link: CE Smith - 27610 Guide-ON 9"... www.amazon.com/dp/B0009TTLRA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@anonimous596 Im getting 32 mph just under 6000 rpm

[@anonimous596]

@@GmanfromTexas that is the correct diameter and pitch for the 170 with the 50hp -- I have the price / order sheet from bass pro parts dept. mine revs to a little over 6 k but most of my cruising is at 20-25 anyway its fast enough for this little boat.

[@randyshaffer7257]

Hey can you send me if on where you got this prop

[@GmanfromTexas]

Sure Randy. I got it from www.turningpointpropellers.com Prop # 31301312 Hub# 11300101

[@randyshaffer7257]

@@GmanfromTexas I saw you took it back off did it give you lower unit issues

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@randyshaffer7257 I hit a floating log and the prop was alright but my prop shaft got bent. The hub didn’t do its job. I cost me $300 to straighten the shaft so I went back to aluminum prop. A new aluminum prop is only $150.

[@Jakesoutdoors]

WAYYYYY TO MUCH PRESSURE... SHOULD BE MUCH LESS TORQUE...THE SAFETY LOCK ON NUT KEEPS NUT FROM COMING OFF...I WOULD HAVE NOT BARED DOWN THATS ME

[@GmanfromTexas]

Maybe that’s why it dint give? Not sure

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Isn't the prop aluminum suppised to takes the brunt of the force when you hit somethimg and save the lower end ??

[@GmanfromTexas]

The hub was supposed to give and save the lower but it didn’t happen. I don’t know why but I just went back to the aluminum original. It works great

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

@Gman from Texas oh snap . Called it. I know people that use SS bu we fishing deep clear lakes. No way I'd use when in a mine field

[@davidatkins6919]

Maybe learn how to operate a boat safely and not hit crap in the water, called a keen eye here in Virginia! Been boating for over 60 years and never hit anything in the water even runing 70+ mph in my bass boat!

[@GmanfromTexas]

Maybe you come to Lake Fork which is a flooded forest and try to go 70 MPH if you call that safe boating instead of talking crap. I’ve been boating all my life in the Fl keys. This can happen to anyone

[@davidatkins6919]

@@GmanfromTexas No Sir, I run in areas where I am familar with, probaly why I've never hit anything with any of my boats, can it happen to anyone like you said, well yes it can and so sorry you took offense to what I stated, it is my opinion and as you said I've been boating all my life, too! Just my thoughts, you clearly said the first prop took a beating and then you put on a stainless steel prop and then bent your shaft? Got a clue yet? Maybe that area is too hazardous to run a boat in it...just another thought.

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@davidatkins6919 it’s a new lake for me. And is full of hazards. Both times there was a floater right underneath the water line on the boat lane. Close to the buoy. Trees rot and break off. It was bad luck. The mechanic Chuck said most of his work here is lower units. No offense taken.

[@davidatkins6919]

@@GmanfromTexas WOW, glad I'm not on that lake if it has all of those issues, not worth tearing up a lower unit over, I also was a boat mechanic and have repaired props and lower units so maybe I'm just too careful because of that!

[@yranidiot]

I know this was awhile ago but do you remember what was the max rpm at that speed?

[@GmanfromTexas]

At 32 mph I was pushing right under 6K rpm