1990 Sea Ray 160, Mercruiser 3.0 with Alpha one gen 1

[Scott06]

thank you for all the replies above, I am now even more confused... ; - )
it would seem that the consensus would be that 17p would be ok for water sports and better for cruising? a 15p would be ok for skiing but not good for cruising at all. would everyone agree that a 17p 3 blade alu prop will work well enough for skiing and cruising - not ideal I get that but more versatile compared to 15p?

Might be worth verifying your tach is ok before ordering props. Would likely anticipate gain of 200 rpm for each inch of pitch you drop

So 4” drop to a 17” three blade would likely get you to 4700 rpm at wot

 

[QBhoy]

I should have asked before now, perhaps around your awareness the affect trimming has on a boats performance? Although I think naturally a 21” in most occasions might be a little much for most 3.0 (but not unheard of)…I also know that the difference between the trim being fully down and trimmed up properly at wot…can often gain at least 500+ rpm or more. If I was a guessing man, I’d say a 19” would see you well…or if you have the boat always heavy or more often do water sports…a 17” and watch your rpm on the top end. But I’d still be insistent that a 15” would be a silly idea.

 

[rustybronco]

1990 Sea Ray 160 BR 3.0L came with a 14 X 19 prop from the factory. That or a 17" would be my choices depending on usage and load.

My 1995 175 BR 3.0LX came with a 21" from the factory.

15" pitch is just nuts. My opinion only.