"My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

[Irv964]

The reason I put "MY" in the title is because it is simply that, my review. Some people may have similar results and some won''t? That goes for all props, some will work great in certain applications and not so great in others.

Anyways, for those who have read my posts will know that I was trying to find the "perfect prop" for my 2006 Lowe Fish & Ski 165 with a 2007 90hp Merc 4 stroke with a 2:33 gear case. What I was after was a better holeshot and less cavitation in the turns, top speed was not an issue although I didn't want to loose too much if possible.
I posted away and read the replies from what I considered were the "prop experts" and I learned a great deal from the info they shared. Most people who replied stated that I should stay within the same pitch due to the 4 stroke engine and the 2:33 gear case which most prop calculators also stated (19 pitch). I was all over the place with what to do, go stainless, stay with aluminum, maybe a 4 blade prop etc but ultimately the decision was mine and only mine and I had to choose.
I was very eager to purchase a Stiletto SS (stainless) after reading and hearing about their quality and performance but the only thing that held me back was the final cost delivered to my door from the U.S. (I live in Canada) and that fact that I ultimately had no idea if it would work or not? (even prop exchange gets expensive with duty charges/shipping)
I also read and searched as much info about Turning Point aluminum propellers as I could find and I liked what I read (can't remember a bad review?) so I purchased a Turning Point Hustler aluminum 13.25 X 19P for around $150.00 dollars Canadian and I am glad I did. I had some concerns that if the prop didn't work it would be a waste of the $150+ dollars that I could have put towards the Stiletto that I wanted so badly. (dealer had a no return policy on props)
After receiving my new prop and hub kit and comparing it with my stock Black Max, I could see no visible difference between the 2, I thought what a waste, it is basically a copy of the Black Max or vice versa?
But after it was installed and tested I could not believe the difference, I had gained 2mph, was able to reach max rpm of 6000 (black max would only reach 5700-5800, motor is rated between 5500 and 6000) which was just a plus and my holeshot had increased noticably, my cavitation in the turns was greatly reduced! It did everything I was after and then some.
I am totally happy with my purchase and for that I would like to thank all the people on here that helped "propel" me in the right direction, your knowledge and expertise are greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much.........Irv964

 

[steelespike]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Nice to see its possible to get a nice improvement within more budgets.
Also many times these props are replacing props that are either mismatched
or have seen better days.Nice to see a "better prop" succeed against a name brand apparently running at its best.

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Nice to see its possible to get a nice improvement within more budgets.
Also many times these props are replacing props that are either mismatched
or have seen better days.Nice to see a "better prop" succeed against a name brand apparently running at its best.

I agree Steelespike, the prop was only $102.99 and the hub kit was $41.99, a lot cheaper than any stainless prop. I also like the fact that if I ever want to purchase the 17P Hustler prop I only have to purchase the prop as I already have the hub kit.
(I believe most prop mfg's are doing this now too?)
I am not really sure if I would notice any/much improvement in a SS if I were to try one now? This Hustler is that good imho and I am reaching my max rpms?. I also like the fact that it is aluminum in case I strike something hard plus I don't have to worry about removing every week-end due to theivery(boat sits on a lift which would make it very easy to steal)
I believe my motor is sitting in it's optimum location in regards to the cavitation plate, it looks to be 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the bottom of the boat which I remember reading is the optimum location for most boats?
I highly recommend this prop to anyone who doesn't want to spend the big bucks or anyone who doesn't care about the "blinge" factor, I believe I got SS performance out of an aluminum prop hands down, it is that good........Irv964

 

[towtruck1]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thank you for your excellent review

I went through a similar process as you to find a new prop. Now I've got a TP Hustler on the way, and WAS of course a little apprehensive about it's performance. You have alleviated all concerns except the slight possibility that I didn't select the right pitch. I'll post my own review once I try out the prop.

These reviews are very helpful to those in similar positions!

 

[towtruck1]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

BTW, did I understand correctly that the cavitation plate is 1.5" to 2" ABOVE the bottom of the boat? And you have no cavitation problems in turns?

I've never heard that this was optimum; I always though optimum was about level with the bottom. Could you please point me to where you read this?

Thank you very much!

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

BTW, did I understand correctly that the cavitation plate is 1.5" to 2" ABOVE the bottom of the boat? And you have no cavitation problems in turns?

I've never heard that this was optimum; I always though optimum was about level with the bottom. Could you please point me to where you read this?

Thank you very much!

Towtruck, I don't have "0" cavitation, I stated my cavitation was greatly reduced in turns compared with my Black Max prop. It is much much better but still some blowout occurs on real sharp turns. I have my doubts if an SS would be "0" too?
I found a couple post that talk about the cavitation plate height, I will see if I can find more. Good luck with your new prop, I hope you see the same results as I did...........Irv964
This one: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=269420
Another: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=261074
Another: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251654
Last one for now, there are more I know. I found this one on pg 5:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251654
1 more: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=249784

 

[steelespike]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Even with the bottom of the boat is considered a starting point.Could be lower but usually is higher.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thank You, Irv964 & Steelspike

I think I can come up about 1" to 1.5" just to get even. Might get better performance. I'll give it a shot!

 

[duncc]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Irv...thanks for the info. This prop sounds like just what I need and you can't beat that price. I too live in canada. Where did you end up purchasing the prop from, turning point's website??? What ended up being your shipping and duty costs??

Thanks
Duncan

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Irv...thanks for the info. This prop sounds like just what I need and you can't beat that price. I too live in canada. Where did you end up purchasing the prop from, turning point's website??? What ended up being your shipping and duty costs??

Thanks
Duncan

Duncan, I first went into Turning Points website and clicked on the Canadian dealers on the far right side and typed in my postal code, those dealers were quite far away and not all listed dealers carried them? I then phone the Turning Point number and asked if there were any others and the lady first said Kimpex out of Quebec. I said that was quite far too and asked if she had any other info/numbers and she told me of a few more and one happened to be right near my wife's work location called Whitby Marine, not marina but Whitby Marine and their number is (905) 668-4077 so my wife picked it up for me, they were great to deal with, no deposit was required and this was over the phone. It took only 2 days to get it in as they were sold out of the 13.25 X 19P props.
She also mentioned Hutching Marine at (705) 645-5031 (no idea where they are located or if the carry them?)
Another was Wharf or The wharf marine in Pickering at (905) 839 3681(same as above, no idea on availability. She also mentioned something about Uxbridge Small Engines but I didn't get the number. Good Luck, hopefully you can find a dealer close to you?...........Irv964

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

I was PM'd by someone asking me what my top speed was before and after installing the new prop and I realized I never provided that info, only the fact that I had gained 2 mph.
So here it is, my max speed before with the Black Max 13.25 X 19P was 47mph on my boat speedo only and a max of 5700-5800rpm.
After my TP Hustler install my max speed was 49mph speedo and a max rpm of 6000.
I had a GPS with me when I installed the Hustler and my true speed was 44mph according to the gps, a 5 mph difference. The boat had slightly over a half tank of fuel, (some gear, extra battery=100-125lbs?) and myself weighing approx 190lbs.
From what I can gather the boat comes in at 1220lbs and the motor around 480lbs give or take? Hope this helps..........Irv964

 

[steelespike]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

I would say a 2 mph increase when your over 40 mph is a nice increase.

 

[duncc]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thanks Irv....I am out in BC but managed to find a dealer 20 minutes away. He ordered me up a 13.25X17 hustler and it will be here tomorrow!!! $160 CAD, I went with the same size as my stock Black Max, the guy suggested that the 15P might raise my rpm too much. They have an exchange policy so if I'm not happy I can trade for a different pitch. (Motor is Merc 115 four stroke on 06 Lowe FS175.) Heading up to the lake this weekend and can't wait to try it out. I'll report my findings when I get back.

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thanks Irv....I am out in BC but managed to find a dealer 20 minutes away. He ordered me up a 13.25X17 hustler and it will be here tomorrow!!! $160 CAD, I went with the same size as my stock Black Max, the guy suggested that the 15P might raise my rpm too much. They have an exchange policy so if I'm not happy I can trade for a different pitch. (Motor is Merc 115 four stroke on 06 Lowe FS175.) Heading up to the lake this weekend and can't wait to try it out. I'll report my findings when I get back.

Glad you were able to find a dealer close to you. Sticking with the same pitch should net you a couple hundred more rpm as it did with mine? Looking forward to hearing your results, hope there as positive as mine were............Irv964

 

[mikesnredding]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Irv, I too am having much of the same problems your are. 1 month ago I bought a brand new 08 crestliner 1650 canadian with an 08 mercury 75hp fourstroke. I started out with a 13 3/4 x 17p prop but the rpms would only top out at 5100rpms and 33mph, if I tried to trim out very far the boat wants to porpise.
Went back to the dealer and they changed it to a 13 1/4 x 15p prop, rpms now at 5800rpms and top speed solo is about 34mph with full fuel. I Still can only trim out a small amount before the boat starts to porpise.
I ordered a Turning point Hustler prop from Iboats and am heading to the lake in the AM to test it out, it's a 13 1/4x17p. I'm hoping the 1/2" less in diamater prop helps. according to all the prop finder programs I should be running a 19p or a 21p for speed? I also got a set of the nautitec SX trim tabs to help cure the porpising but want to try the prop on the boat before installing them.
My major issue is my engine is mounted a full 1" below the hull, which I and my local prop shop believes is a major factor in my porpise problem. The water coming out from the back of the boat hits the top of the cav plate and gets worse when the drive is tried to be trimmed out.
Part of the reason I ordered the trim tabs is my slow speed planing ability sucks. Anything below 3800 rpms even running the 15p prop and she falls off plane. 4000rpms gets me around 19.5 mph, 4500rpms gets me a cruise of around 25.5mph.

Whats funny is these boats are being sold with 50 & 60 hp fourstrokes and I believe their performance is as good as mine. Granted when I have weight in the boat the extra oomph helps, I believe.

Mike

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Irv, I too am having much of the same problems your are. 1 month ago I bought a brand new 08 crestliner 1650 canadian with an 08 mercury 75hp fourstroke. I started out with a 13 3/4 x 17p prop but the rpms would only top out at 5100rpms and 33mph, if I tried to trim out very far the boat wants to porpise.
Went back to the dealer and they changed it to a 13 1/4 x 15p prop, rpms now at 5800rpms and top speed solo is about 34mph with full fuel. I Still can only trim out a small amount before the boat starts to porpise.
I ordered a Turning point Hustler prop from Iboats and am heading to the lake in the AM to test it out, it's a 13 1/4x17p. I'm hoping the 1/2" less in diamater prop helps. according to all the prop finder programs I should be running a 19p or a 21p for speed? I also got a set of the nautitec SX trim tabs to help cure the porpising but want to try the prop on the boat before installing them.
My major issue is my engine is mounted a full 1" below the hull, which I and my local prop shop believes is a major factor in my porpise problem. The water coming out from the back of the boat hits the top of the cav plate and gets worse when the drive is tried to be trimmed out.
Part of the reason I ordered the trim tabs is my slow speed planing ability sucks. Anything below 3800 rpms even running the 15p prop and she falls off plane. 4000rpms gets me around 19.5 mph, 4500rpms gets me a cruise of around 25.5mph.

Whats funny is these boats are being sold with 50 & 60 hp fourstrokes and I believe their performance is as good as mine. Granted when I have weight in the boat the extra oomph helps, I believe.

Mike

Mike, I am not sure what problems you are refering too? I read your post 3 times trying to figure out what you mean? I did not have the same problems you are mentioning.
I think what your problem is, is the fact your motor is 1" below the boat? You do mean the cav plate is 1" below the bottom of your boat do you not? If that is the case then I would definitely say your motor needs to be raised until the cav plate is at least level with the rear of the boat and then go from there up until you find the "sweet spot"
I am not sure what model Crestliner you have but if it is the fully equip'd one with full windshield etc, your speed doesn't sound to far off especially full of fuel?
The trim tabs will help from what I read but if you don't adjust the motor you will never reach the full potential of your boat/motor combo. Good luck.......Irv964 (P.S. post of pic if you can of your motor fully trimmed down so we can see where your cav plate is in realtion to your boat)

 

[mikesnredding]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thanks Irv for the reply, I'm going to stop by my local prop shop to see what they'd charge to raise my engine for me. They already had recomended it but my dealer that i bought the boat from said since they (the local prop shop) mostly deal with bass boats they did'nt know what they were talking about. I even called the manufacturer and was told it would be ok to raise the motor a hole or two. Your post is the closest I have found boat wise, and motor size wise to mine. sorry. Gonna try my new Hustler 13 1/4x17p prop in am and will start a new thread. I'm just wondering if trying a 19p prop would be too steep of a pitch for my 75hp. Or maybe not if I get the engine sitting on the transom right.. Thanks

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

Thanks Irv for the reply, I'm going to stop by my local prop shop to see what they'd charge to raise my engine for me. They already had recomended it but my dealer that i bought the boat from said since they (the local prop shop) mostly deal with bass boats they did'nt know what they were talking about. I even called the manufacturer and was told it would be ok to raise the motor a hole or two. Your post is the closest I have found boat wise, and motor size wise to mine. sorry. Gonna try my new Hustler 13 1/4x17p prop in am and will start a new thread. I'm just wondering if trying a 19p prop would be too steep of a pitch for my 75hp. Or maybe not if I get the engine sitting on the transom right.. Thanks

I measured my motor height this week and my cavitation plate 3 3/4 to 4 inches above the bottom of the boat. Mind you my boat has the keel/V which runs the entire length of the boat, the back end is not flat like most boats. If mine didn't have the keel/V running the entire length and was indeed flat, I would say the cav plate would be 2 1/2 to 3 inches above the back of the boat?
I know I recently stated my cav plate was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the back but a tape measure doesn't lie. Still 100% happy with my prop, it is working great!........Irv964

 

[Irv964]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

This is the best pic I could find.
If you scroll down to the "Cradle fixtures for precise hulls" you will see the keel I am refering too, in the side bar pic, that keel is welded into the bottom of the boat and capped at the end. that will give you an idea as to where my cav plate is located, it is 3 3/4 up from that. Hope this helps?.....Irv964

http://www.loweboats.com/Page.aspx/pageId/972/Deep-V-Construction.aspx

 

[duncc]

Re: "My" review of a new Turning Point Hustler prop

So I tried out the new 17P hustler prop on my merc 115 4 stroke this weekend (lowe FS175 boat). The biggest difference I noticed was how much 'grippier' the prop was in the turns. I was unable to get the thing to ventilate at all, even after trimming up way past where I was with the Black Max. Steering also seemed lighter. As for the holeshot, which is what I am after, only a slight improvement I think. It seems to bite and pull quite a bit harder initially but the same flat spot exists once the skier is part way out of the water. It definitely revs a little bit quicker and I was able to more consistently get 6000 rpm, which gave 42 mph, about the same as before. Interestingly, with just myself in the boat, the holeshot felt much stronger than the black max, but once under load it was only marginally better.

Another point of interest which is very encouraging to me Irv, is that your CAV plate is 3 3/4" above the bottom. (We are talking about the big plate above the prop right?? not the little one that is higher up?) Mine is about 1/2" above. So I am thinking I can raise this thing a lot. Like I said before I was able to trim up a ridiculous amount once on plane without any ventilation.