how to pick prop size?

flreds1

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
6
i just bought 2000 17 ' bay stealth with 90 hp yamaha 2 stoke and was told that i need to replace the prop(alumin). i have been looking at all the different choices and i'm not sure what to get.( stainless or alumin., what pitch, 3 or 4 blade) the main use of the boat will be fishing saltwater bays and will do some skiing and stuff.
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: how to pick prop size?

What prop is on it now? Why does it need to be replaced? Educated guess...17p aluminum. You should wait to get more experience with the boat before buying a stainless.
 

flreds1

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
6
Re: how to pick prop size?

3 blade alumin. i could not find a size on the prop. the reason i was told to replace it was because it the blades were damaged.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: how to pick prop size?

Moved to PROP FORUM
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: how to pick prop size?

Props can be rebuilt for a fraction of the cost of new. If it's not too bad, look into that option.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: how to pick prop size?

Do some reading by googling "Propeller Selection", "Propeller Design", etc. Every boat, every engine, every load, every water sport, has a unique set of circumstances. Unlike a car or truck for example, a boat has no transmission so the transfer of power into pushing power for the boat is done through the prop. In general, high pitch translates to speed but less power for water sports. Low pitch translates to less speed but more towing power for water sports. If you do both with great regularity, you would likely end up with two props, one for each. The other option is to prop for the activity you do most and compromise on the other. Since we and you have no idea what you have, we can't possibly help. Go to Yamaha's web site and check Performance Tests. There you can select your engine, your boat (or one similar to it) and then see what prop they used to achieve optimun performance. Whatever you choose, the engine must reach the upper end of its maximum recommended rpm at wide open throttle with normal load. Whatever speed that achieves is what you get.
 
Top