I need helping finding props that fit Mercury 115 TOP engine

joezek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
137
I am restoring my 17 Mako Angler and installed a 1988 Mercury Tower of Power engine. I can't seem to find a prop selector with a list of which props I can choose from. I was thinking a 13x19 would be a good place to start, but what part number fits this engine? Also, how many blades, what style blades etc. If someone could tell me where to look, would be great. Thanks

JOE
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
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12,004
I simply can't believe that you can not find a prop. Mercury made the 1150Tower of Power for a good number of years and they were on everything. Go to ebay and search Mercury Propellers. Thousands will come up.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Joe, Just remember that the TOPs used the 4-1/4 hub props. A v6 Merc prop will not fit.

Frank is correct, you will find Michigan Wheel, Hustler, Mercury, Quicksilver and likely Solas make props for that motor. Heck they likely sell them on this forum.
 

joezek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 8, 2011
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137
Thanks guys, yeah what I meant to say was that I couldn't find a "Selector" like Quicksilver has on their website to give me an idea which prop to start with. I was told by someone who races boats to start with a 13x19, but there are so many variations that will probably have totally different performance. I ordered a Quicksilver Black Diamond propeller. We'll see how it runs and go from there.
 

Bondo

Moderator
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Apr 17, 2002
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71,082
Thanks guys, yeah what I meant to say was that I couldn't find a "Selector" like Quicksilver has on their website to give me an idea which prop to start with. I was told by someone who races boats to start with a 13x19, but there are so many variations that will probably have totally different performance. I ordered a Quicksilver Black Diamond propeller. We'll see how it runs and go from there.

Ayuh,..... There's just Sooo many different hulls, 'n applications, hence, there's Soooo many prop style choices,.....

The Science of prop shoppin' is findin' the Pitch that holds the motor to the higher end of the accepted Rpms, at Wot,....

The Voodoo Magic of prop shoppin' is pickin' the blade design, rake, 'n whatnot's that fit yer particular hull, which may not be the same, as another copy of that same hull,...

Generally speakin', 4 blades holds ya on-plane slower than a 3 blade,..... but not always,......

Generally speakin', Hi-rake chopper/ elephant ear props give bow lift, for flat out Runnin',.... but not always,.....

Generally speakin', a Cleaver prop provides better stern lift,.... but not always,..... ;)
 

joezek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
137
Well I finally splashed the boat yesterday for a test run to see if it floats, blows up etc. I ended up trying a Quicksilver Black Diamond 13x19. It's too much prop, only 4600 rpm with the engine tilted high, borderline cavitating. However, it's instantly on plane and going 41 mph in chop according to GPS. Putting on trailer wasn't good, bogs down and stalls under a load when the boat is sitting still. It doesn't like being in gear at idle, but anywhere else is ok.

On a side note, I'm very surprised how well this hull handles choppy water and other boat wakes. I'm used to our old Grumman 15 that gets you soaking wet at every little ripple in the water.
 

SkiDad

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 18, 2010
Messages
1,518
get the same thing in 17 pitch and you be just about right - should still run 39 mph.

the idle thing is solved by raising it 100 rpm or something like that - the larger pitches will require an idle raise to keep from stalling.
 

inthedirtagain

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
321
I've got a beat up 17p 3-blade on my original 69 Merc 1000. It pushes my 69 Silverline DeVille (16ft, deep -V) to about 37mph with just me, and that's running about 5200rpm. I would have expected more from your 115 on a Mako.
 

joezek

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
137
UPDATE: The following week I replaced the prop with a 4 blade Solas 13x17. Now it runs 43 mph @ 5300 RPM per the GPS. It's much nicer putting on the trailer too, doesn't stall at idle in gear, and doesn't go so fast at idle when trying to park. Also when I put the trim tabs down and the boat slows down a little, I have enough power to bring it back up to speed without giving much more throttle. Couldn't put the tabs down as much before. I can cruise pretty easily at around 3800 rpm (35 mph) and burns much less fuel.
 
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