New Prop Question from new guy.

[Hondo65]

For the boat in my signature, looking to pull some tubers, head out to fishing holes, and generally cruise with friends and family. Would like decent performance, hole shot, and fuel economy(if possible). I know that to get one thing you have to sacrifice another. So I guess that I am looking for a good general purpose proppeller but I just don't get the pitch thing yet so I thought I'd ask what diameter and pitch would be a good fit.

Thanks again guys

Hondo

 

[steelespike]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

Give us your present prop,wot (wide open throttle)rpm and speed.If you know your reccomended max rpm that would help as well.also your typical load.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

Can't help you (other than a guess) until you make some wide open throttle runs with what you consider and average load. Note the wide open throttle rpm and speed, let us know what diameter and pitch you have now and we can help. Diameter and pitch are normally stamped into the hub of the prop or in the face of the prop behind the prop nut. Look for numbers like this:
14-1/2 x 21P (14-1/2 inches in diametr and 21 inches of pitch). Instead of that you may find the manufacturers part number such as 316547 or some other combination of numbers and letters. Without this info we can't be of much help. The ideal prop is one that allows the engine to run at or very near the manufacturers recommended wide open throttle RPM with and average load. You are right -- you can't have a boat that pulls like a tow truck, cruises like a Caddy, and gets economy like a VW Beetle with one prop. It's a compromise. Many of us have several props to use for various purposes.

 

[Hondo65]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

I see that this will be an extensive process. I will check the numbers on the current prop. as far as WOT tests that will be awhile here in Western, NY. I can tell you the boat weighs 2750 lbs according to figures gleaned off of this site. Typical load would be 650-800 lbs. Fuel capacity I am guessing at 30-40 gallons.

I went to Mercury Marine and read their prop selector and propeller tech pages and I get most of it. My current prop looks to be in good shape, though I have no idea how it performs.

My main goal is to use the current one as a spare and get a new one with the best characteristics for my situation

Thanks guys,

Hondo

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

And you won't know what to get until you know what you have. For all you know you already have the best prop.

 

[Hondo65]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

Well I found out that I currently have a Michigan Wheel 14.5" - 17" prop. Still no info for awhile on WOT and max RPM. I figured that info would be standard for my engine and outdrive..

Hondo

 

[dcg9381]

Re: New Prop Question from new guy.

Way too many variables here - I can tell you that the prop selector was off by about 4" of pitch on my boat.

Best to get data on current speed via GPS and RPM via inductive tach, but you've got to post a baseline...

The other alternative is to find someone with the same boat and motor combo..