Correct Prop?

[beattle55]

I have an 18' runabout with a 1994 3.0L mercruiser installed. The boat had a very trashed old prop from the 70's on it when I got it. The local prop shop sold me a reconditioned later model prop with a 23" pitch that he thought should be about right for the boat. The boat probably weighs about 2000# loaded. Would the 23" prop be to long to start with? I'm thinking that it should really be about 19" pitch.

I am on the west coast in the salt chuck, so altitude is not a consideration.

Thanks

Beattle

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Correct Prop?

a 3 liter is going to have a tough time spinning a 23 inch prop. You will have a terrible holeshot, decent top end, and you would most likely put that engine out of its recommendedWOT RPM range. it just doesnt have enough power. anything 21 and below( 21 might be pushing it) for that setup would see good IMO. If you do a lot of pulling and dont really care about losing a few MPH on top end, go with a 17 pitch and see how it works. if the RPMs are too high try bringing them down with the 19 and go from trhere. its all about trail and error with new props. every boat reacts different with different props.

 

[tommays]

Re: Correct Prop?

On and 18' you should be in the ballpark with the21" prop its the OEM size on most of those boats

I have a 3.0 on a hefty 19' boat and can Go over the 4800 WOT with a 19" prop but cant stand the hole shot of the 21" prop


Tommays