How to tell what pitch Prop I have

[FairwayFatty]

How can I tell what prop I have on my 2006 Merc 115 ELPT 4S motor? I am the second owner. This motor came from dealer installed on a Premier 23' 225 Pontoon Boat (I bought this setup from original owner). It pushes this pontoon boat fairly well but I notice other pontoon boats of same length with similar or smaller motors seem to run a bit stronger/faster.

I ran a prop wizard and it said a 14 X 13 for water sports or 13 3/4 X 15 for speed. I'm just trying to figure out what the factory prop is. Would it be setup with a particular prop for a Pontoon? The existing alum. prop also has some heavy nicks and gouges from all of the stick etc. in the lake. I also notice that a discount prop retailer stated I must buy a "hub"... Is that a common set up to have to use this hub (I'm guessing it is and some kind of a splined adapter?)

Anyway....just looking for some insight and i a new prop might help the boat run better.

Thanks. FF

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: How to tell what pitch Prop I have

Some of the (I called them L-Cheapo) props need a hub kit with them. I have never used one.
The pitch should be stamped in the face of the hub.
Or you can take it to a prop shop and they can clean it up and also gauge it and tell you the exact pitch.

13 and 15 sounds about right. Depending on the engine HP, I dont remember if you stated it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: How to tell what pitch Prop I have

Look on the barrel of the prop or under the prop nut. We need your prop size and the present max rpm and speed.The hub allows a lower price for the prop itself.
So you need only buy a prop less hub to change props for skiing or cruising. Or if application appropreate buy a hub
to make a prop fit a different application.