Operating in Strong Current

Actually deep V's do not track well at low speeds; one of the complaints of new deep V owners is the constant attention to the helm. The boat tends to wander from one side to the other. Putting trim tabs down in V's will help wandering. So will shifting weight to the stern (and avoiding the tendancy to bow steer, as Matt noted).

Of course a long keel boat will track very well.
 
I've been running the Piscataqua for 14 years and when the current is running at peak velocity it's quite a force. My last boat was a 20ft Boston Whaler with a 150 and I never had a problem but you could always hear the motor working hard against the current. I just purchased my C-Dory last summer. I have a 90HP 4stroke Suzuki and I can tell she works a lot harder against then current then my old Whaler. But I've never had a problem just give it a little more throttle when the current is running hard. Personally I don't think I'd want anything less then the 90 on this boat running this river. When Great Bay lets out the tidal current at the bridges can be 6 knots. You can run outside the strongest parts of the current in spots but not at the bridges.
 
It has been suggested that I change my prop to a 4 blade prop. One manufacturer makes a 4 blade prop for my 1990 70 HP Johnson but it's a composite prop. Supposed to be better then aluminium but not as good as stainless steel. Does anyone have experience with a composite prop?

Rich, see you on the river. When my boat is in the water I'm on a mooring in Eliot near the Cocheco.
 
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