HELP!!! Alpha prop on a Bravo?

[cableguy1979]

Im in the middle of finishing the build on my boat. It is a 1996 Crownline 225 CCR cuddy with the 454 mag. I have a bravo prop that need to be reconditioned but at the tune of $400 it will need to wait a week or two. I am looking to put the boat on the water to test out the engine and drive. Can I use a alpha prop on the outdrive until I can get the Bravo prop fixed. The bravo prop I have is a 15x24 four blade stainless but again needs repaired. The alpha prop is a 14 1/2 x 19 four blade cast. I know there will be a pitch difference but I will only be pushing the boat slowly to 3000 rpms for some run time. Any help or guidance will be greatly appreciated. Anyone ever try it without a problem?

 

[tpenfield]

outdrives are stupid . . . they don't know what prop they have on them. As long as you get the correct hub kit for the Bravo the prop should be fine for a while until you can get back to the regular prop.

I banged the prop on my Bravo 1 (previous boat) and ran a 4-blade aluminum prop for a while. Just had to be careful about redlining the RPM's.

You will need to be careful since the pitch is drastically different.

 

[Bondo]

Can I use a alpha prop on the outdrive until I can get the Bravo prop fixed.

Ayuh,...... No problem,..... MC-1s, Alpha 1s, Gen.IIs, Bravo 1s, 'n Merc's large gear case outboards, All can run the same props, 'n prop hubs,......
No difference,.....

 

[cableguy1979]

Great news!!! Although I will only be pushing the boat to 3000 rpm for some runtime what kind of difference can i expect from the 15x24 to the 14.5x18? Will the 18 pitch be cruising faster or slower. There is a diameter difference and i cant remember which was is which on pitch and diameter.

 

[harleyman1975]

More RPM's less speed. Your engine will be screaming and the boat will seem like its barely moving (exaggeration)

 

[harringtondav]

More RPM's less speed. Your engine will be screaming and the boat will seem like its barely moving (exaggeration)

Exactly. Your WOT hole shot will jump the boat out of the water, but mind those WOT rpms, and keep them under 4400-4600 rpm. BTW, I think you're prop shop may be trying to bend you over. My Dbq. IA guy is a nationally recognized expert, and I believe his 4 blade SS rebuild is <$250-$300. Check aftermarket prices. Solas, Stiletto and Michigan Wheel are always lower than Merc. OEM, and probably your rebuild est., and are built quite well. Forum rules prohibit linking to competitive sites, but look for a guy named Dan or JT, and come back here to iBoats with you p/n pick.

 

[AShipShow]

Agree with harringtondav - My local prop shop reconditions 3 blades for $100 and 4 blades for $150.. Obviously more if metal needs welded back on, but $400 seems really steep.

 

[harringtondav]

Just an add to my above. I checked a and found a Solas 4 blade SS 15.25x24 $377. This is just and example to keep you away from your propShop. You'll have to dig to find your 15x25, but I'm sure it will be a savings.