Pump or prop?

McMudpuddle · 03-05-2008, 08:16 PM

I have been running a 1976 85 horse pump w/a tiller on a 16 ft boat, runs fine
performs OK, not going to win any drag races but works OK. I picked up a 1985 90horse prop with power trim, seems like real good motor. I can swap the motors, with some amount of effort, or sale it for a nice profit, but before I do either, I would like some opinions.
I rarely really need a pump, I guess I'm just used to it. I fish the bays and tide water from Tillamook to Waldport, the Willamette and the Columbia plus the occasional lake.
Specific questions:
1 How often do you hit something with the prop?
2 What is it like to run a big horse power prop at the tiller?
3 any other disadvantages of a tiller/prop?

Thanks!!

cavdad45 · 03-07-2008, 07:52 AM

Everyone will eventually hit something with a prop or lower unit, especially late in the year. It happens and that's why we have insurance.

When I worked as a rigger we would make adaptations for turning big motors into tillers, and quite frankly it is a dangerous business. That is why manufacturers do not make parts for that application over 100hp, but local shops do it routinely with in-house fabrication and adaptation of available parts. Controlling a big 225hp prop can be a real workout even with trim tabs on the skeg.

The advantage of Outboard Jets is shallow water running.
The biggest disadvantage is the immediate 30% drop in horsepower going from prop to jet.

Jessals Fishing · 03-28-2008, 11:39 AM

A 90h is a step up from the 50 I run, but I made the switch from console to tiller because we have a horsepower restriction on the river I run so we need the least amount of weight possible and it frees up more space in the boat. My boat is set up to fish 4 plus me so the extra space is great. Having the horsepower restriction I couldn't run my boat with a pump. There are allot of gravel bars in the river I run so you have to be on your toes but to tell you the truth I tickle the bottom every once in a while and all I've ever done is bang up a prop. You have to hit pretty good to damage your lower unit. Best advice I have for you is to stick with an aluminum prop so if you do get the bottom it's your prop that gets the bottom and not something worse. Oh, and always carry a spare and tools.

McMudpuddle · 03-29-2008, 08:23 PM

Thanks, sounds like you have the experience. I think I will mount the prop and fish it a season beefier I sale the pump motor.

03-05-2008, 08:16 PM	#1
McMudpuddle Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: McMinnville Posts: 61	Pump or prop? I have been running a 1976 85 horse pump w/a tiller on a 16 ft boat, runs fine performs OK, not going to win any drag races but works OK. I picked up a 1985 90horse prop with power trim, seems like real good motor. I can swap the motors, with some amount of effort, or sale it for a nice profit, but before I do either, I would like some opinions. I rarely really need a pump, I guess I'm just used to it. I fish the bays and tide water from Tillamook to Waldport, the Willamette and the Columbia plus the occasional lake. Specific questions: 1 How often do you hit something with the prop? 2 What is it like to run a big horse power prop at the tiller? 3 any other disadvantages of a tiller/prop? Thanks!!

03-28-2008, 11:39 AM	#3
Jessals Fishing Neophyte Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling, AK Posts: 19	A 90h is a step up from the 50 I run, but I made the switch from console to tiller because we have a horsepower restriction on the river I run so we need the least amount of weight possible and it frees up more space in the boat. My boat is set up to fish 4 plus me so the extra space is great. Having the horsepower restriction I couldn't run my boat with a pump. There are allot of gravel bars in the river I run so you have to be on your toes but to tell you the truth I tickle the bottom every once in a while and all I've ever done is bang up a prop. You have to hit pretty good to damage your lower unit. Best advice I have for you is to stick with an aluminum prop so if you do get the bottom it's your prop that gets the bottom and not something worse. Oh, and always carry a spare and tools. __________________ Joe Jessal Sterling, Alaska WORK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO FISH!

03-07-2008, 07:52 AM	#2
cavdad45 Master Angler Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: oregon city Posts: 370	Everyone will eventually hit something with a prop or lower unit, especially late in the year. It happens and that's why we have insurance. When I worked as a rigger we would make adaptations for turning big motors into tillers, and quite frankly it is a dangerous business. That is why manufacturers do not make parts for that application over 100hp, but local shops do it routinely with in-house fabrication and adaptation of available parts. Controlling a big 225hp prop can be a real workout even with trim tabs on the skeg. The advantage of Outboard Jets is shallow water running. The biggest disadvantage is the immediate 30% drop in horsepower going from prop to jet.

03-29-2008, 08:23 PM	#4
McMudpuddle Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: McMinnville Posts: 61	Thanks, sounds like you have the experience. I think I will mount the prop and fish it a season beefier I sale the pump motor.

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