Todd in NY

Thanks for the feedback, dbitting! The prop calculator is a good starting point, but there are far too many different factors to consider with each individual boat, which makes any prop calculator just a ballpark suggestion, as you pretty much stated above.

This is the web site I used to determine my prop diameter and pitch. I bought the prop from iboats. https://turningpointpropellers.com/PROPWIZARD/

I bought my 1988 Crestliner Sabre a few years ago with a 1989 Evinrude 150. The prop was a 15x17. It was my opinion that the boat was sluggish to get on plan with a full load, and I ran this prop for 2 full seasons. So I researched some prop selector tools online and they recommended a 15.25x15, based on the weight of my fishing gear and people on board (heavy load). Both props are aluminum 3 blade. It seems that heavier loaded boats require a smaller pitch prop, such as a 15 pitch instead of the 17 pitch I started with. Now I feel that my boat gets up on plane more smoothly, and my top speed is slightly faster at 34 and some change. That's close to 2 mph faster at 5200 rpm wot. I also think the motor is burning less fuel. I'll have to check my owners manual for my motor wot rpm range, but iirc 5200 rpm is in the ballpark. Just wanted to pass this along because I had asked the question before, on which prop to choose, and I couldn't get a straight answer.

Bump Closed, I bought a new Mercury 15HP.

closed

This...

The two companies that were recommended above are only hiring outside of NY state. My son is always checking the DEC and DOT sites for job openings. I'll have him check USAjobs. Thank you!

Thanks for the CDM recommendation! He's more interested in field work, but I doubt he would pass up a lab position when he's just getting started.

Thanks! I'll pass it along to o him.

My son graduates from SUNY ESF this May with a major in Environmental Science. He did a summer internship in 2019 with the NY DOT in Watertown with their Environmental Science department. He is currently seeking employment in the Environmental Science field if you know anyone who is hiring this summer. You can PM me here for his contact information. He is living in Syracuse until he graduates in May. Thanks, Todd