Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

[jclark01]

Hello I am new here and have a 2002 Bayliner 175br w/ the 3.0 merc and the alpha one drive. I was looking at props and would like to know what is a good choice. I don't know what would be the best pitch for my boat and should I go with 3 or 4 blade. The prop that is currently on there has no numbers so I can't tell what pitch it is, I am looking at the Amita Aluminum Propeller for Mercruiser Alpha One 3.0L (125-140 HP) 17 pitch is this a good blade? Any help will be appreciatied.d

 

[tommays]

Re: Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

It depend on what your doing BUT it will generaly push a 21" prop

With a 17" unless you doing heavy duty water sports you will hit WOT around 32 MPH and use a lot more fuel runnning around

Tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

The prop that is currently on there has no numbers so I can't tell what pitch it is,

You've got to Look Harder,....... There Are #s, Somewhere.......

Did you Remove the Prop,+ Look at the Hub,..??....

 

[jclark01]

Re: Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

ok, i found some numbers it is really confusing on one part it says 17p and the other it says 21p so, here is what I need I do alot of tubing and knee boarding, wake boarding etc. what pitch is the best for this and will still not make me go so slow? and what is the difference 4 or 3 blade?

 

[tommays]

Re: Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

Well the 3.0 does not have a lot of power SO if watersports are your main thing the 17 will work well at the cost of speed


I do both and just use 2 props a 17 for towing and a 19 or 21 for running around its a PITA but there is just not enough power to have the best of both worlds

You really need to run it and see what kind of WOT and speed you get

I have found a 19" prop with a PVS venting system was a pretty good compromise but every boat and owner are different



Tommays

 

[tmh]

Re: Bayliner 175br what prop to use?

I'm no expert, but I've been reading this site for 6 nths and picked up a working knowledge. The REAL prop guys will want current prop info, WOT speed and rpm. Get that info and they;ll get you squared away!

17 3-blade may be what you need to do watersports with that engine, ESPECIALLY if you do it with several people aboard, gear etc. Those 3.0s bog down pretty fast when you add weight! If that isn't enough, you may want to try a 16 4-blade or the "high five" folks talk about here.

Almost always, whatever prop choice you make is a compromise, lower pitch = more power/hole shot but less top end. Not much you can do about this.

My guess is that Tommays says is the only way to have some flexability; two different props, one for watersports or lots of people/weight and another one for "cruising" with less weight on board.

Also, I hear great things about Smart Tabs and improved low-end AND sometimes top end. Maybe they'd help you alot - allow one compromise prop that's still OK for watersports. I doubt they can overcome a heavily loaded boat though.

Do a Smart Tabs search and read and learn. I did, and mine are sitting on the boat ready to be installed when the weather warms up!