Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

[jwolfie001]

Well, I get one thing fixed only to cause another snafu. Today i took my Cheetah out only to locate a foreign prop eating substance in the water. Anyhow, I need a new prop. So, any help would be appreciated. The boat is an 18' open bow with a 3.0l mercruiser. I believe the ratio is 2.0 and I think currently WOT is about 4200 if I believe my tach. I was running an aluminum 3 blade prop. I am content as hell running an aluminum prop but was wondering what you guys thought about changing to a 4 blade. Would it be beneficial or not? Should I stick with Aluminum? Thanks again oh great ones!!!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

Your info is pretty good but read the stickies at the top of the page and the helps on top of the iboats prop store page.
We need the prop size, should be on the barrel or under the prop nut.
Max rpm and speed.I believe your rpm should be around 4600.
What are your typical activities?load?Check out the Turning Point Hustler
prop stainless performance at aluminum prices.

 

[jwolfie001]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

As for what he prop says under the prop nut, 14 5 19P. If I interpret these numbers correctly, I believe this prop was 14.5" and a 19 pitch. Is this correct? As for our activities, we like to tube. Normally it's my fiance and I with my 9 and 10 year old. Occasionally we have up to 6 adult size people in the boat but we've learned that this little boat just isn't big enough to do power sports with a full load like that. Again any and all help is appreciated.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

J, we welcome you to the forum and hope to be able to help you with the questions you need answers to. If you will supply us with the answers to the questions listed below we will have everything we need to help you with your quest, in most cases.

Boat and Motor

H

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

As for what he prop says under the prop nut, 14 5 19P. If I interpret these numbers correctly, I believe this prop was 14.5" and a 19 pitch. Is this correct? As for our activities, we like to tube. Normally it's my fiance and I with my 9 and 10 year old. Occasionally we have up to 6 adult size people in the boat but we've learned that this little boat just isn't big enough to do power sports with a full load like that. Again any and all help is appreciated.

Speaking generically typically a 19 or 21" pitch on a 3.0 18' will produce max speed and rpm ,about 4,600,with a light load.You your fiance and a 9 and 10 year old A 19 would normally make close to max rpm.(rpm may be on a label on the motor)4,200 may be slightly low but not extreme.Assuming a clean bottom and sound motor and good sound prop. There are exceptions.Try a run by yourself if you haven't yet.On a 3.0 the 19 or 21 prop don't leave much room for loads.
If you suspect a motor problem you might check that the throttle opens all the way and maybe do a compression check.

 

[jwolfie001]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

Thanks guys for the assistance. I ordered a replacement Hustler prop. They say that you get better than usual performance out of these props so I'll give it a try and repost my opinion. It came with a free hub and only cost about $100 bucks. I thought that was pretty fair.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need a new prop. Suggestions . . .

Good luck,hope this solves your problem.