how to slow the troll speed?

flopearedmule · 10-29-2008, 12:58 PM

I recently purchased a 16 willies with a 8hp honda and was able to get out to nehalem bay last weekend. One thing I noticed is that the troll speed is really fast compared to others trolling in more conventional boats. I know some of you have this issue so how do you slow the troll down? I have a 3 blade prop and was wondering if honda or someone sells a less aggressive pitch 3 or 4 blade. Also will consider a trolling plate or sock?

--Jeff

fishkisser · 10-29-2008, 02:19 PM

Toss out a couple of 5 gallon buckets on rope on either side of your boat ...

Trout,myster · 10-29-2008, 02:23 PM

Shouldn't need a trolling plate on an 8hp, Jeff. Best thing I found before I put an electric motor on the bow of my 18 footer is a pair of socks, one on each side. They'll keep your bow pointed where you want it and if you tie them off as far forward as possible, they won't get in your way. If you don't want to spend the bucks for the socks, a couple of 5 gallon buckets work.

flopearedmule · 10-29-2008, 02:32 PM

Got it. I will look into the socks.

Thanks
--jeff

baitsauce · 10-29-2008, 02:34 PM

I'd go with a less agressive prop. I have the same problem and that's the route I'm taking.

weekender · 10-30-2008, 06:55 AM

16' sled?

Socks suck. They are a constant pain in the butt. You have to rope them off and toss them out, then make sure they dont get in the prop when you go back in gear from nuetral. Fight them with your steering. Pull them in the boat when you get a fish on. The list goes on and on and on.

Get a different less aggressive prop. 8 horse props are cheap, like less than $100 and then you've got a spare to keep in your boat.

Flatfish · 10-30-2008, 08:37 AM

Buy a slower prop. If it's still too fast, have Ampro grind it down.

jfa686 · 10-30-2008, 08:46 AM

great thread. I ran into the same problem at simtustes..15hp merc just couldn't get slow enough. ! only got action on turnarounds. not sure the other guys would of liked me just doing circles

Splash · 10-30-2008, 12:11 PM

Socks are an inexpensive solution. Here is a set-up I use that still allows good control of the boat without the fear of ropes in the prop. Just grab the rope on the tail of the sock to collapse it and bring it easily into the boat one-handed when needed.

Please don't critique my poor drawing skills.

Flatfish · 10-30-2008, 04:11 PM

Socks do not allow quick steering response in tight quarters.

garyk · 10-31-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatfish

Buy a slower prop. If it's still too fast, have Ampro grind it down.

Yup. We had the exact problem with our Honda 8. Having the prop re-pitched by a prop shop is the simplest way to go. You'll never need the stock pitched prop again, so just have it reduced.

North Portland's "Independant Marine Propeller" does the job for ~$50.

I think the stock pitch was ~11 and I had it reduced to ~8.

Much better, slower speed yet run the motor at a higher RPM - rather than the lowest rpm possible.

Starfish · 10-31-2008, 07:16 PM

I use the same setup as Splash. It works great, and with the short line to the mid-stern cleat, I've never had trouble maneuvering in tight quarters. I find that it actually helps maneuvering by letting you run a bit higher rpms. Although to be honest I only run socks when I need to; I run plenty slow most of the time with the T8, but will deploy socks in windy conditions or when there's a super slow troll bite.

GoFish · 11-06-2008, 04:03 PM

I bought a slower prop and change out when when not planning to fish in heavier current. I'll run the faster pitch if the river is up and the current is quicker. They are quick to change out, just keep a t-handle socket that fits your motor in with the spare prop.

Of course, once you get the right props you will need one of these.
http://www.troll-masterpro.com/

jshink · 11-06-2008, 05:03 PM

I use basically the same setup as Splash except I use 2 collapsible military buckets and put them over the side towards the front center of the boat and not very far out. It really slows me down nice and I have no problems turning, backing up, or having a fish on.

Old Coot · 11-06-2008, 05:56 PM

One approach you might try first, if you haven't already, is to just change the tilt of the motor so more thrust is directed upward instead of rearward.

And it's free!

RiverJohn · 11-07-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatfish

Socks do not allow quick steering response in tight quarters.

Agree.

I would choose a prop solution if possible. 4 Strokes just dont troll down like the old 2 strokes. (RPMs wise). You set the RPM's too low you could singe your motor too.

little doc · 11-07-2008, 10:24 AM

honda makes a high thrust prop for the newer outboards that seems to troll slower. They are slightly bigger and lower pitch. That may be all you need. Is this the old style motor or the newer with the rounded cowling? The newer ones seem to troll slightly slower than the olders.
You could also see if a 4 hp prop would fit on your motor, just be careful about overreving the motor.
Scott.

bluehewes · 11-11-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baitsauce

I'd go with a less agressive prop. I have the same problem and that's the route I'm taking.

Try a different prop if you don't like ropes dragging behind your boat.