Buying Stainless Steel Prop

[procraft180]

I have a 2003 ProCraft 180 Combo with a Mercury 115 Four Stroke. Current prop is the stock prop, 13.25 x 19p,3b aluminum. I am turning 5600RPM at WOT/43MPH, full trim, full tank of gas, 2 people, with fising gear, running in a light chop. My engines recommended RPM range is 5000 - 6000. The outboard is mounted second hole from the top, looking at the top mounting holes. <br /><br />I am considering buying a Stainless prop this winter, and was wondering if anyone had any experiences with either the Stiletto Advantage or the Turbo 1. I am looking for a little better holeshot and mid-range punch, some more top speed would be nice, but not necessary. I sometimes pull a skier/tubes, but 90% of the time on water is spent running and fishing, so I would like to prop for that. Would also consider a 4 blade as well.<br /><br />With such a wide RPM operating range, should I stay closer to the 5600 number or go upwards to around 5800RPM's? This is my first Four Stroke outboard, so I still trying to learn the power characteristics of this engine.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Buying Stainless Steel Prop

Welcome aboard!<br />To me, it's not really a wide operating range, as 6000 is really where you want WOT for best results of hole-shot, mid-range punch, and top-end won't change that much depending on how you get to 6000..<br />I do know the 4 strokes don't seem to like continuous duty at high RPM, but they still need to be set up for max R's for every other part of the spectrum to be where it should.

 

[procraft180]

Re: Buying Stainless Steel Prop

Thanks for the reply Walleye! <br /><br />I think I will shoot for a 17p or 18p stainless, then to try to establish a baseline with the stainless prop, then work it from there. I might also try a manual jack plate if the prop change does not get me to that target RPM range. <br /><br />I think after reading up on both the props in my first post, that I will try the Turbo 2+2X, made for intermediate gear cases like mine, in the 13.25x18p and go from there, as they are reasonably priced and "claim" to provide overall boat lift with a focus on bow lift and will provide good holeshot for the occasional skier.

 

[notarealone]

Re: Buying Stainless Steel Prop

Since speed is not of the essence, go 4 blade. It will solve every question you have here. It will give you faster holeshots, better mid-range cruising, reduced tork steer, and will pull more weight than a 3 blade.