Dont know anything about props, what should i purchase?

[Shwinkyyy]

Good morning everyone, about 3 weeks ago i purchased a 19' early 70,s grady white. She came with a 150 1984 merc blackmax. The kid who sold ut destroyed the old lower unit. So i had to do a rebuild. Now thats its all finished. I need to purchase a prop. Being new to boats i know nothing of the ideal pitch and diameter, for my engine. Any suggestions? And being new i wanted to just get aluminum, my friends say stainless. But if i hit something id rather wipe out a prop than blow the gearcase. Once i get experience i may go stainless

Edit:dont know if its relevant but its a 20" driveshaft

 

[jimmbo]

I would start out with a 19" pitch. Your engine WOT throttle range is 5000 - 5500. That engine does perform best when propped in the 5300 - 5500 range.

 

[Shwinkyyy]

Ok, now what soes WOT stand for?

 

[roscoe]

WOT wide open throttle.

Your engine should reach 5300-5500 rpm when operating at full throttle.

This will will keep you from over revving the engine, and from lugging the engine.
It should also give you the best combination of a good holeshot, and top end speed.

So yes,buy an aluminum prop, make some test runs to determine is the prop pitch is correct to get you in the 5300-5500 rpm range.

If the rpm are way off, you will need to buy a different prop, but you can keep the other one as a spare.

 

[Shwinkyyy]

Ok sounds like a good plan. I ordered prop last night, just have to wait for an answer on my other question i asked on new topic. Then i can take her for a test run