Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

[JSGOLD]

My old 61' 5.5 Fisherman had a 3-blade prop on it when I got it but I notice most of these have 2 blade types. After looking in the parts diagram I have it shows a 2 blade also. Would this motor push better with a 2 blade or a 3 bladed prop? I don't know why this was put on, maybe to improve performance, or maybe the PO just lost the original somehow.

 

[redjmp]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

A 3 blade prop has 50% more drag and will not rev as high as a 2 blade.
It should in theory have less slip for any given pitch but that puts more stress on the motor as it has to work harder throughout its powerband.
On such a small hp motor though it won't make much difference though unless your motor is really lugging.
If you can find a 2 blade cheap you can always try it out and even if you don't think it pushes better, you would then have a spare.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

Thanks. The motor is being used as a kicker for my 16' Starcraft aluminum deep V boat, and since we fish mostly in smaller <10HP lakes this motor gets used much more than the 55 I have. I realize it will never push me at great speeds but it ha always seemed to be laboring a bit more than I would have thought, even with tune up and carb build. It does OK but was wondering if I should try a 2 blade prop or just let it be...

 

[Lostfisher]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

It might also be a weedless prop. If the blades are really curved and stretched looking than it is a weedless.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

The motor came with a 8" X 7 1/4" pitch. The stock prop is not right for your application. You need less pitch.Its possible your 3 blade came from a 65 5 hp
for some reason it appears the 65 5 hp had a 3 blade while the 6 had a 2 blade.
pitch numbers are usually on the barrel somewhere. Finding a prop with less pitch may be tough.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

So maybe I am better off just leaving it alone then? I will see if I can locate any information on the prop when I get home.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

Without doing anything the 3 blade may give you better control than a 2.
I think the 2 blade same pitch would rev a little better but probably a little less control.Just guessing dropping the pitch 1/2" to 3/4" may let it rev better.
Motors are happier reving close to their rated rpm about 5,000 on your little motor.
If you run wide open long distances you might consider ac slightly cooler plug.
J4C instead of J6C I think is the present day number.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

I actually use the J4C plugs already, and the boat moves fairly well for the size. Just not quite up to rpms but will leave it alone if a 2 blade is no improvement. Was going to switch to the J6's though this spring, so maybe I better put a hold on that....But a spare blade either 2 or 3 is a good idea given we use a lake that has a LOT of submerged and floating timber in it.

One thing I will add, if it makes any difference, as far as "control" goes. The smaller motor is tied to the other 55hp motor for steering, and has a remote throttle hooked up as well. Was not quite sure what you were refering to on control.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

The 3 blade should respond better to steering and forward/ reverse input.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Evinrude 5.5 prop question - 2 or 3 blade?

Thanks! Will be doing a fair amount of work to the motor over the winter and was wondering about the prop as I am still new to this stuff and looking for the best overall function. At some point I will get a 9-10 HP kicker for more speed but for now will use this one and leave the prop as is.