Looking for a second prop

[jwfbass]

I am looking for a second prop for my 2013 Hurricane ss188 i/o. There is a nice stainless steel used one is for sale at my local marina. It was refurbished but never claimed by its owner. It is a 14.25" x 21 p 3 blade. I am currently running a 14.25" x 23p 3 blade aluminum. Just looking for some insight regarding performance if I pick this up.

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct: second prop; looking for a little more top end.

2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.: Aluminum 14.25"x 23p. 3- blade. Came with the boat. I am assuming mercury.

3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required): 14.25"x 23p

4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful): 4600 rpm, 47 mph

5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP: 4.3 Mercruiser 190 hp Alpha One 2013

6) Boat make model, year, length and weight: 2013 Hurricane SS 188 I/O, 18'10", Approx. Wet weight: 3816

Thanks for any help.

 

[Chris1956]

Sounds like it should work. It may raise the WOT RPMs a bit due to the lower pitch. Your speed is very good for that power/boat combo. I would not expect too much more speed, as you are near the recommended operating RPM range now.

 

[steelespike]

Nothing is carved in stone when changing material,size and design. But very basically your hole shot should be better and handling improved.
The motor may over rev at about 5000 speed may be a wash.

 

[jestor68]

Not knowing what kind of SS prop you're talking about, difficult to predict the outcome.

As an aside, the Mercury prop selector recommends a 19-21 pitch prop(depending on the model) for your type boat; and you say that you're running a 23 pitch to 4600 rpm. Your showing 15% slip because of too much pitch. You should be in the 10-13% range.

So, it would appear that you need to find a different primary prop. All the other boats in your size/weight category tested are running 21 pitch props and getting around 50 mph at 4800-4900 rpm.

I would be cautious purchasing a "reburbished" prop, as they often tend to vibrade, which can damage the lower unit.

You know the ole saying; "You can pay me now(for a new prop) or pay me later"(for a lower unit rebuild). I believe the former is less money.

 

[jwfbass]

Thanks for the replies. I kind of thought that was a lot of pitch for my boat. When I was looking at other boats at the dealer all of the other 4.3 liter mercruisers has the same prop as mine. Do the props come from the factory or are they dealer installed? I thought they must have got a deal on 14.25 x 23p props.