damaged prop and pefrormance question

[conron]

I have a 1986 16' Starline skiboat with a 120 merc and alpha 1. I was wanting to know if the damage seen could cause "a lot" problems with whole shot thrust. I bought the boat this way and and have had it for a year and I want it to plane out faster. The prop is, I think, 14.5" x 19p. There is no tach or speedo on board so i dont know what rpm I am running at but I think its all original..with that being said would it be safe to assume that it was currently in the range of 39-4300 as said on the engine? when I get a new prop would I go up or down in pitch to get more torque for a faster plane? I am not to worried about top end currently it runs at 35 and I would be ok with 28-30 or am I just asking to much out of my little boat?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: damaged prop and pefrormance question

We really need to know some tach readings but with that prop even those would be useless. Hopefully someone else has the same setup and can get you on the right path. I hope you are not running the boat with that prop. It wouldn't take long to damage seals.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: damaged prop and pefrormance question

You are losing hole-shot and top end with your damage. RPM will be higher with that damage, as well. Do not go WOT as you'll likely go over max rpm. Borrow a good prop of same size and get a tach (use a gps for speed readings). Honestly, the 19P seems high for the boat and motor HP combination, but no way to know until readings are provided.

Good luck!

 

[conron]

Re: damaged prop and pefrormance question

thanks y'all...got to try and find one to borrow and I am looking for a tach

 

[mayatan]

Re: damaged prop and pefrormance question

Seeing as how you are in the market for a new prop, you should go stainless. Anything over 100 hp needs it so the blades hold their shape under load and do not flex out like the AL prop you use to havE. With an I/O on a 16 ft boat I would start with a 17 high 5

 

[Bondo]

Re: damaged prop and pefrormance question

Seeing as how you are in the market for a new prop, you should go stainless. Anything over 100 hp needs it so the blades hold their shape under load and do not flex out like the AL prop you use to havE. With an I/O on a 16 ft boat I would start with a 17 high 5

Huh,..??

If there's a chance of bottom strike, SSteel Ain't what ya want....

To the OP,...
That prop is BEAT...
Get it rebuilt, or replaced...