Just acquired a boat, needs new prop

[tokyo]

1987 Procraft 1950 Competitor. ~1700lbs, running a 2004 Mercury Optimax 115 (5200-5450 rpm). Current prop, best I can tell, is 14/17 and really chewed up. It’s been alleged that even in the condition it’s in, boat moves at 50 MPH, assuming WOT.
I’m looking to replace the prop with new, or at least in better condition. Based on some research, that prop doesn’t seem to jive. Looking for advice on prop selection that will give me a balance of efficiency and performance.

I have yet to put the boat in the water, so I have no firsthand knowledge of the performance.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I’d say with some confidence, that she’s likely not a 50mph boat with a 17” prop and a bad one at that.
For light boats and fair to bit larger outboards, you generally can’t go wrong with a good old laser 2 for starters. But to be fair, the merc ally black max isn’t bad for a man that isn’t too fussed about such things and kind on the wallet too. You’ll need to see what she does as she is to make sure you’ve got the right pitch in the first place or need to consider a change.

 

[tokyo]

Hi. I’d say with some confidence, that she’s likely not a 50mph boat with a 17” prop and a bad one at that.
For light boats and fair to bit larger outboards, you generally can’t go wrong with a good old laser 2 for starters. But to be fair, the merc ally black max isn’t bad for a man that isn’t too fussed about such things and kind on the wallet too. You’ll need to see what she does as she is to make sure you’ve got the right pitch in the first place or need to consider a change.

14”, 17 pitch

I’m not confident in the 50 MPH claim either.

 

[QBhoy]

14”, 17 pitch

I’m not confident in the 50 MPH claim either.

Get a run with her and that 17”. Record the rpms and gps speed you get. Take it from there.

 

[Bondo]

14”, 17 pitch

I’m not confident in the 50 MPH claim either.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... As QBhoy says, go run it, 'n see what it'll do for rpms, at Wot, to see what you need for prop pitch,....