I'm considering replacing the prop on my Mercruiser 5.7LX Alpha 1 powered deck boat(pictured in avatar). Its a 1997 model with 140 hours on it. Last summer was the first season I owned it. After some defferred maintence in the spring, the boat was trouble free all season. <br /><br />With the boat carring a normal load (60 gal. of gas, 4-5 people and their crap) I get about 4300-4400 RPMs and 47MPH. <br /><br />With just my wife and I,our crap and 3/4 tank of gas, I get about 4500 RPM and 50MPH. <br /><br />With just me, with 30 gal of gas, I get about 4600RPM and 51-52MPH. <br /><br />Usually the boat is carrying a normal load, and wide open throttle is 4400 RPM with the boat properly trimmed. I hardly ever run it over 3000 RPM. <br /><br />Would it pay for me to buy a new prop to spin the motor a little faster, or is it safe the way it is? I don't care about gaining or loosing a little top end, and the boat is already plenty fast out of the hole. I'm just concerned about putting an unnessicary load on it making it run at the bottom range of its WOT. <br /><br />The prop on the boat is a Stainless Steel Quicksilver prop. It is origional, but in like new condition.
.....JK